Thanksgiving: What am I thankful for?

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in the Philippines but we have an equivalent of that celebration in our barangay. Every Novembers, (last Saturday of that month to be exact) people give thanks to God for a good harvest (of rice in particular). Foods are prepared and relatives, neighbors and friends are invited to come over. Most of the foods are made out of rice (of course :p), like kalamay, tahada and other delicacies. (Oh my. I don't know what they are called. Mostly. haha)

Ten days before this celebration, processions are held every night. People line up while carrying candles and walk throughout our barangay. Elderlies sing a song (or a kind of prayer) while walking, occasionally stopping at houses where the Hermano(s) live. Just so you know, a Hermano is a person who's responsible for the procession. He/she provides the candles, etc. He/she's also one of the many people we are praying for during processions. It's a kind of panata (pledge), if you can relate. :)

I used to join the procession when I was young. I didn't care back then if the melted candle scalds my hands. I didn't mind if my feet become sore because of walking for too long. It was a fun activity. 

The last time I joined the procession was three years ago, with my friends. Look at our picture!

~friends~

November last year, I was so sad. You PROBABLY know why. Clue, clue! Health issues. hoho! I was teary-eyed whenever the procession passed by our house. I had always, ALWAYS prayed to God (and Mama Mary) to make me feel well. And they did. So I am thankful. No, REALLY THANKFUL and BLESSED.

Yesterday was the last day of the procession for this year. Surprisingly, when it passed by our house, I felt peaceful. I didn't ask for anything. I just thank God for all the blessings He had given me and my family. I feel contented and yeah, that's all I need. That's all WE need.

Lastly before I end this post, I want to share with you an excerpt from my fave book right now. (Divergent by Veronica Roth!) It's from the Amity Manifesto:

A son says to his mother: “Mother, today I fought with my friend.”

His Mother says: “Why did you fight with your friend?” 

“Because he demanded something of me, and I would not give it to him.” 

“Why did you not give it to him?” 

“Because it was mine.” 

“My son, you now have your possessions, but you do not have your friend. Which would you rather have?”

“My friend.” 

“Then give freely, trusting that you will also be given what you need.”

Have trust & be thankful everyday, initiates! :)

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