Christmas is a celebration of giving. For many years, this day has been synonymous with Jesus' birth and that of giving gifts. As a child, Christmas also meant Santa Claus and Noche Buena. Today, with kids of my own, I still view Christmas the same way as I did as a kid -- but with a huge difference.
Before, it was I who was the eager recipient of other people's generosity. Today, me and my family sponsor and organize the annual Gawad Kalinga-Sibol Christmas Party. This is our fourth straight year.
Last Sunday, December 3, we helped organize the Christmas Party of underprivileged kids from two GK areas: Kaingin and Multinational in Paranaque City. It was a happy riot to say the least. My friends Merrick and Maureen Chua, owners of MEC Network Corporation, sponsored the event. We had 64 kids and around 24 adults for a total of 90 people! That was the largest Sibol party we ever organized! MEC's staff and some managers provided lots of toys and give-aways, besides helping out in hosting games.
As a sidebar to this blog entry, let me just point out that for the past four years, not one of our Couples for Christ immediate household has known of this project. Amazing, isn't it? How can an annual big event, involving top leaders from the same CFC cluster or sector not be known by our household? Simple -- we never told them! That's where true blessings lie. Whatever kindness you do in secret, the Father himself will reward you in secret.
God has been good to us. After having us endure financial turmoil for almost 10 years, we're back on our feet again and much more! Our businesses have picked up and I'm in a job that I am enjoying and pays very well. Thus, I simply am paying the Lord a simply gesture of gratitude by making Sibol kids happy.
Looking back, we started giving back to God during the lowest points in our lives. We started giving tithes (10% of income after tax) when I lost my job in RJ. We were also assigned to the financially-draining Gawad Kalinga as pioneer Sibol project managers when we didn't even know where to get our kids' tuition. Talk about giving...until it hurts...no more.
What's the lesson in all these? Have a big heart for those in need, and God will never leave you when you yourself are in need.
Next year, we are gearing towards a pending appointment in Youth for Christ (YFC). Another challenge, another opportunity to serve. What else can I ask for?
