Lessons From Tarlac

The toils we face seems to shadow our every move, making the once vivid days turn black. This also makes us think that the connotation “Life is unfair” true after all. Reasons to give up are often encountered during the ordeal which is an understandable phenomenon that humans undergo. But one day in your life, you’ll feel this special feeling of contentment, knowing that you still must be thankful because you are luckier than other people; that your present condition is still better compared to them. I felt this emotion during my last trip to Tarlac which occurred just a while ago.

Early this day, my father invited me, together with my brother and mother, to accompany him to one of his business trips in Tarlac. Being very keen at that moment, I never hesitated to answer “Yes”. I bathe, dressed, and prepare myself for the day to come. Just an ordinary day, I thought, unaware that it would not be just ordinary. At about 9:00 AM, we left the house and headed to Tarlac.

When we have reached the place, I took a sit on one of the benches available for visitors. Simultaneously, a blind man accompanied by a woman asked for alms. My mother gave them some money. Then just like a chained reaction, more beggars asked for money, most of them young children asking for food. My mother gave all of them some money.After a few more minutes, a cigarette and candy vendor approached us. Having no need for a candy, I still found my hands in my pocket to get some coins to buy. What forced me to buy is not necessity but pity for him. I realized that, unlike the beggars, he still finds a way to sustain his living family other than begging for money. I suddenly asked myself: “Who is better, the one who only asks for money and not using his skills to work or the one who utilizes his skills in the name of hard work in order to sustain a living?”. Of course the answer is very clear. I commend the vendor for his hard work and perseverance. He’s never seem to be affected by his problems because he uses his skills as a resistance.

My initial reaction was contentment because if I would compare my life to them, it is pretty obvious that the state of my life is tons better than them. I realized that I should not complain but instead be thankful for all the blessings that I have received. These thoughts clouded my mind for the whole day.

The toils we face seems to shadow our every move, making the once vivid days turn black. It’s our task to prove this wrong.