Thursday, February 22, 2007

Shared Happiness

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room ' s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind ' s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."



Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. "Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present."

Labels: ,


Monday, February 19, 2007

A Prayer

Lord, thank you for this wonderful day, for giving me a chance to make up for my sins and to be enlightened by Your grace. I am a sinner who is not worthy of You, but still You shower me with Your blessings. You have made me see happiness even in the smallest things. For this, I am grateful.

Thank you for these words that have just recently opened my heart....

Love for Enemies (Matthew 5)

43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Lord, I am the enemy. Please forgive me for I have hurt special people in so many ways. Friendship has taught me many things that I realized how much I have really lost. I had let anger, pride and hate take over me. I did not listen to what You were telling my heart to do. For this Lord, I suffer. And I deserve it. I ask that I may be forgiven. It does not matter how long, for I am still here.

Lead us not into temptation -- away from anger, pride, hate, jealousy and vengeance. I lift up everything to you, Lord. May Your will be done.

Labels: , , ,


Thursday, February 15, 2007

I Need You To Love Me

Why, why are You still here with me
Didn't You see what I've done?
In my shame I want to run and hide myself
But it's here I see the truth
I don't deserve You

But I need You to love me, and I
I won't keep my heart from You this time
And I'll stop this pretending that I can
Somehow deserve what I already have
I need You to love me

I, I have wasted so much time
Pushing You away from me
I just never saw how You could cherish me
'Cause You're a God who has all things
And still You want me

Your love makes me forget what I have been
Your love makes me see who I really am
Your love makes me forget what I have been

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Labels: ,


Monday, February 05, 2007

The Painted Veil

I bought a few DVDs over the weekend. It's been a long time since I last did, and I was thrilled to find several new films already out.

As I was browsing through the covers, one movie suddenly caught my eye. The cover was sepia, so I assumed the film was set in the early century. What made me actually buy it was the tagline: Sometimes the greatest journey is the distance between two people. Hoookay.

I continued reading on. At the back of the case was the plot: "Based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil is a love story set in the 1920s that tells the story of a young English couple, Walter (Edward Norton), a middle class doctor and Kitty (Naomi Watts), an upper-class woman, who get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to Shanghai, where she falls in love with someone else. When he uncovers her infidelity, in an act of vengeance, he accepts a job in a remote village in China ravaged by a deadly epidemic, and takes her along. Their journey brings meaning to their relationship and gives them purpose in one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth."

Last night, I finally watched the movie. It was just as I expected... beautiful cinematography, great acting and tear-jerking scenes. I've never seen Edward Norton so attractive... and Naomi Watts was perfect for the character. I might just add this couple in my personal favorite *on-screen chemistry* list. I can still feel the tingles....

I always look forward to watching films I have never even heard of, but with interesting plots. After seeing each of those films, I would always wonder why it did not become so popular, which makes me fortunate for having seen such a rare and wonderful piece.

Labels: ,


Friday, February 02, 2007

Ocean Size Love

I know what I'm doing may be dumb
I know I should not be staring at the sun
But the thought of it leads me to temptation
It's the same whatever side we're on
Separated, we are delicate and small
And the space between leads my retention
I see it right in front of me, as close as you can get
And the greater you will lead, as a daydream gets

I don't have to worry anymore
If I really need You, I'll go to the shore
And the thought of You there is my protection
I see it right in front of me, a vision in my head
And I know this is as real, as a daydream gets

And it might seem much too far, to get back to where You are
But it's close enough, with an ocean size love
So if You can't reach out to me, send a sign across the sea
And I'll pick it up, with an ocean size love

You make no sound, but I can hear You in the wind
I can see this never ends, like the sea, like You for me

Labels: ,


Thursday, February 01, 2007

A Royal Morning

Guess what I did at 8 am today. I went to the movies haha!

It was actually a treat for the kids, since they're showing a movie about Thai history called King Naresuan at the newly-built Esplanade. I'm not really sure if it's the mall or SFX cinema, but they have a special promo running, early-morning screening for half the price (with kiddie size popcorn and drinks), until next week for different schools in the city. Fortunately, my boss allowed me to join. Love yah, bosing :D



Anyway, back to the film. I never knew that Thai history was so complex. Set in the 15th century, the movie tells the story of a young prince, who later becomes the greatest king in the history of Thailand. It runs for 130mins, with English subtitle (it didn't bother me much that I had to read the whole time -- I actually miss the times when I used to watch foreign films at the university film center -- and that my tushy's been flattened from sitting for hours). It's also amazing how Thai filmmakers have managed to exploit the wonders of modern cinematography. Well, I'm no expert to comment further, but I can say I loved it.

By the way, it's a trilogy. The 2nd one is coming out at the end of this month, and the 3rd in December, on the king's birthday. Can't wait.

Labels: