The Universe Has Spoken

In 2018, the Philippines had its fourth privilege of claiming the title of Miss Universe through the beauty, brains and boldness of Catriona Gray. Viewers of the pageant -- and the judges for sure -- were not only enamored by her looks and poise, but were also amazed by her wit and eloquence. In particular, Ms. Gray's answer to the competition's final question earned her the coveted crown as well as the admiration of most everyone who witnessed her speak her heart out with grace under pressure.

"What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?" was the ultimate poser thrown at the three finalists of the beauty pageant.

My girlfriend and I -- both writers and bloggers -- decided to take on this question as the topic we would write about for the month of April, albeit with a little amendment: "What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life and how would you apply it to the current season you are in?"

In the past forty-three years of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and losses, successes and failures, I would say that the most important lesson I have learned is to perpetually be in a state of adaptability in every circumstance.

This comes from first and foremost a lifetime of experiencing the inconsistencies of life and the consistency of change. Life's incongruities have taught me that even good people get dealt a bad hand; one has to make the most of and adapt to unfair or unjust circumstances because sometimes that's what one gets. Life's periodic permutations, on the other hand, have taught me to stay fluid and remain expectant of whatever alteration is implemented at any given moment in my timeline; many times change comes and happens without prior notice.

Secondly, the lesson of adaptability was ingrained in me over years of knowing, realizing, and accepting that God is ultimately in control of everything: from the overall management of the universe to the daily minutiae of my existence. He is after all the Creator of all things, including life and time. So it should logically follow that He is also able to maintain His creation in all their necessary trajectories and purposes. 

For the current season of my life, this attitude of adaptability will be applied by remaining flexible to whatever God wants to do in the area of marriage, migration, and missions. He holds the times and seasons of my life in His hands; He sees the big picture with perfect clarity, whereas I do not; He infinitely knows better than I... hands down.

I will remain flexible, malleable, and adaptable like clay in the Master Potter's expert hands.

That's all. Thank you.