September 10, 2012

The Circle of Joy

Today is a another Monday. It is another week of work for most of us which means another opportunity to do something good. As I start my day, I tried to look on something worth sharing that can motivate us on this another busy week.

While searching on the internet, I remembered that I haven't visited Paulo Coelho's blog and as perfect as I thought, I found this story that made me want to do more goodness to others. It was entitled 1 MIN READING: The Circle of Joy.

A farmer knocked heavily at a convent’s door. When the brother doorkeeper opened the door, the farmer stretched out a magnificent bunch of grapes to him.

“Dear brother doorkeeper, these are the most beautiful grapes produced in my vineyard. And I come here to give them to you as a gift,” said the farmer.

“Thank you. I will take them immediately to the Abbot, who will be happy about your offer,” said the doorkeeper happily.

“No. I brought them for you,” said the farmer.

“For me?” The doorkeeper turned red because he thought he didn’t deserve such beautiful gift of nature.

“Yes!” the farmer insisted, “Because whenever I knock at this door, you open it. Whenever I needed your help because of the harvest being destroyed by drought, you gave me a piece of bread and a cup of wine. I want this bunch of grapes to bring you a little of the sun’s love, of the rain’s beauty and of God’s miracle, as He made it grow so beautifully.”

The doorkeeper placed the bunch of grapes in front of him and spent the morning admiring it. As the bunch of grapes was really gorgeous, he decided to give it to the Abbot as a gift, who had always stimulated him with words of wisdom.

The Abbot was very happy about the grapes, but remembered that there was a brother who was sick at the convent, and thought, “I will give him the grape bunch. Who knows, it might bring some joy to his life.”

And so he did. However, the grapes didn’t stay very long with the sick brother, because he thought, “Brother cook has been taking care of me for so long, nourishing me with the best there is. I am sure he will appreciate it.”

When brother cook brought his meal at the lunch time, he gave him the grapes.

“They are yours,” said the sick brother, “as you are always in contact with the produce that nature offers; you will know what to do with this work of God.”

Brother cook was fascinated by the beauty of the bunch. So perfect, he thought, that there is no one better to prize them as brother sacristan; as he was responsible for the guard of the Blessed Sacrament and many at the monastery saw him as a holy man; he would be able to value the marvel of nature.

The brother, on his turn, gave the grapes as a gift to the youngest novice, so that he could understand that God’s work is found in the smallest details of creation.

When the novice received it, his heart filled with the glory of the Lord, because he had never seen such a beautiful bunch of grapes. At the same moment, he remembered the first time he came to the monastery and the person who opened the door to him; it was this gesture that allowed him to be in that community of people who knew how to value miracles today.

Before the nightfall, he took the grape bunch to brother doorkeeper.

“Eat it and enjoy it,” he said. “Because you spend most of your time here alone and these grapes will make you very happy.”

The doorkeeper understood that the gift had really been destined to be with him, so he savoured each grape of that bunch and slept happily.

The circle was closed — the circle of happiness and joy, which always stretches out around the generous people.

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Reading this gave me a lot of motivation to share the joy and blessings that I have right now. What I have now may not be as big or high as some may have but by sharing it, I know that it will grow more than I can imagine. Life is a cycle so are all the love and happiness we share to others. As an old saying goes, "Happiness multiplies when it's divided." 

Share love, goodness, and happiness and without asking for it, it will surely come back to you.

 
     xoxo

September 2, 2012

Goodbye, August. Hello, September!

BER months are already here. It's one day late but hey, it's not too late to welcome another season that is being awaited by almost everyone. Ber months means Christmas is drawing near and like me, I bet, we are all excited of it. But before I say hello to months that are just about to come, let me have the privilege to thank the month before it, which, I always consider the first month of the happiest season on earth, the month of August.

I am very much open that August is my favorite month since it is my birth month. My month has been a busy one and I must admit, I didn't had the chance to blog any of the happenings that I've been into during that month. Anyway, since this blog has been my witness on how thankful I am every year that God is giving me, I don't want to miss (even this late) chance to express how thankful I am for this another year (and of course, everyday). 

22. As of now, I really feel more matured. I guess, it's because I've already passed that stage when everyone thinks that they are not a kid anymore, the 21st year. This year, I am learning how to look on things differently, that I have to be a bit serious on some matters in my life, especially on my communication with our Father in heaven. 

THANKFUL. This is the only word that describes what my heart feels right now. If you'll ask me why, I guess, I cannot answer anymore. I don't know why. I just think that for someone to be able to say this word, one must really feel it inside him/her. Just like love, you can say that you love someone but if asked why, there's no right word to explain it. 

As always, I am grateful that God gave me another year in my life. My life is God's everyday gift to me, to us. This is the reason why I will forever be thankful that I am waking up everyday, receiving and giving love, expecting nothing and leaving everything to God. 

THANKFUL. I am very thankful that I know, from the deepest part of my heart, that I have a lot to be thankful for. From family, friends, down to all those who love me, you're all part of where I am today and why I am feeling this way. Above all, thankyou, Lord for the gift of life, THANKYOU, LORD! :)


I'm Monica. 22. Thankful.

xoxo