Metal on a Furnace

“I have tested you like a metal

On a furnace”

We all have different backgrounds in life. Some of us came from descent living and some of us came from hardships. In my case, I may say that I came from a good family. I have parents who can provide me with the things I need. But I do not limit myself to a life of pleasure. I want to show that happiness is open to everyone because we strive to do so. And hard work is a manifestation of such and that is the life I am choosing- to serve my family, and now, the church.

 My family is not rich. We only live a simple life. We don’t even have maids at home due to the issues that they take advantages of our properties. Early as 12 years old, I already experienced being the father of the family. Not because my father already passed away but it is because he does not stay home often. Those times were really hard for me especially in maintain the household and it continued until I reached my adolescence. My mother taught us that life is never easy but we should always strive to be happy. It wasn’t easy for me to study during my high school days because I had to attend to the needs of my siblings. But no matter how hard it was, I know that God was always there, and He helped me until I graduate as one of the best students in our batch.

God has tested me from the time I had realizations of the world until today. Wise people say that problems will never be gone but we surpass them. At the same time, things do not get easier, we only get better. Before entering the seminary, I had doubts to myself if I can really continue until priesthood because I know that it is not easy to serve especially the Lord. But then, I told God, “Lord, I am not worthy, but for you, and if only you would accept, may I please serve your church.”

I can feel our Lord’s test of faith. During my first week of stay in the seminary, I had been crying because of home sickness. I understand that the Lord has always reserved for us the best of the bests and He will never leave us. WE shall carry our own crosses if we want to follow Him. It is never easy because we believe that our homes do not belong in this world but in Heaven. I grew up to be prayerful, and my mother always reminds me of that. Christ bore the heaviest Cross and the hardest sacrifices in order for us to be brought back to our real home. No one can stand the level of love He is showing unto us. We should offer our life-joy and hardships- to Him. So, into His hands, we should commend our spirits.