Have you ever felt thankful and grateful for things you really wanted that didn't work out the way you wanted it to? Have you ever felt blessed that there were circumstances that failed, relationships that failed, plans that didn't materialize?

I do. Always. Sometimes, we'd say "Well, it wasn't meant to be" but deep in our hearts, we're really reeling that things didn't work out the way we planned it or our prayers not answered or our relationships failing. The "it wasn't meant to be" is just to keep us feel good even though we don't. If some things worked out for me, had I completed my Masters Degree while I was still teaching at Letran, I wouldn't be forced to look for another job nor try to apply for my resident visa and would have stayed there until now or maybe even forever. I wouldn't be here in Toronto. I wouldn't be able to support my Mom and some nephews or nieces with their financial needs. I wouldn't be in a church serving in the ministries of the Lord. I would feel useless because I still believe that IT is a useless profession -- it isn't doing anything for the common good of all mankind (naks!). It's all technology for money.

Had my "wants" and wishes been granted, I would have been married to someone whom I might be divorced by now. Funny how you feel you know everything and you are ready to settle down even though you just left college, and you feel like you can do anything in the name of love. Yaiks! I am so blessed my past relationships (not that many, okay?!) didn't workout. If at least one of them did, I would either be miserable I married an irresponsible person, or a harder-than-stone male specie, or maybe someone who is not cool into the idea that I am smarter than him no matter what he thinks. I am blessed because I met James who goes to the same church I go to, who is just as active in his church ministries as I am, and who loves the Lord maybe even more than I do. If there's one quality that I would look for in a man at this phase of my life, it's genuine love for God. For it is only when someone loves God more than he loves me or himself, that he can truly love and care for me. And I love God more than anybody or anything else, it is only through that I can love my mom, my siblings and their families, and my church. I am thankful I didn't marry young. I am thankful I felt peace and fulfilled even through the times when everyone else thought I should be married or at least have a boyfriend. Look who's happy now?

I am blessed God gave us my Mom -- timid yet strong, born poor yet rich in kindness, humility, and character. She is such a strong woman! I am thankful my dad went to be with the Lord early. Had he been alive, we would still be in that barrio maybe married at a young age. There is nothing else to do in that place of the world but to get married if your parents are not able to send you to school. I will forever be grateful and take it as a wonderful blessings!!!

What are you thankful for?

Look at this: