Mark’s Mark

“For whoever produces will be given more, but from those who do not produce, even what they seem to have will be taken away from them.” Lk. 8:18

Today, allow me to tell a story about Mark and Anthony.

Mark and Anthony are good singers. I know it because when we were still in high school, they are the one being invited (and forced) to sing when there are school programs. Not only that, when there are competitions in and out campus, they usually win. But though both of them are good singers, only one of them became great and a well-known singer in one TV Company abroad.

Looking back, Anthony is the best among the two. In fact, Mark always placed second after Anthony in most competitions. However, Anthony doesn’t really like to sing for he believes that he’s not for it. He also usually joins contest for grades and after much request from our teachers. After high school, although he got a scholarship in Music, he did not pursue it. I also heard that Anthony seldom sings since then. Sometimes, he sings for wedding and corporate events but for hire. The last news I heard about Anthony is that he’s having hard time to find a permanent job and he’s getting through by mere guesting in a local bar in his place.

However, Mark was different. He’s not a born singer like Anthony but he loves to sing- and He dreamt to become a great singer. I remember one time skipping classes just to join him singing Videoke. Every time there are also programs in school, he volunteers. He also usually say “yes” for invitations when there are occasions in his barangay (local town) like birthday or wedding parties for free.  After high school, I heard him singing as a volunteer choir member in his parish and in his work. Few days back, a friend informed me that he’s already a singer and a regular host in one TV network in Australia.

What makes the difference? Talent? I think not.

It is this.

Mark believes in his talent, Anthony didn’t.

Mark works on his talent, Anthony didn’t.

Mark share generously his talent, Anthony didn’t.

Bottom line, Mark produces more with his talent and Anthony didn’t.

Remember, “For whoever produces will be given more, but from those who do not produce, even what they seem to have will be taken away from them.”

Today, share your talent and produce.

Don’t Settle

“The old is good.” Lk. 5:39

“The old is good.”
I used to believe on this before without realizing that- the "new is something better."

What I mean is that, before, I usually settle for old activities, old places, old behaviors, old emotions and old thoughts. I don’t usually try something new, do something different, and think something fresh. Most of the time, it’s because I was used and safe with them and I just want to be in my comfort zone.

But I learned from a friend that staying in your comfort zone will get you nowhere. That if I settle, be comfortable and just be satisfied with what I have, I can never discover and reach my true potential. And if I can never reach my true potential, I deprive myself (and the world) of the immense gift that my Creator has given me.

Indeed, if I want to grow, be generous and be my and God’s best,  I must allow myself to experience new and fresher activities, visit new places, try to do things differently, nourish positive emotions, and think positive thoughts. Bottom line- I need to overcome my fear and to trust more.

Now, to tell you honestly, there are times that I still tempted to believe that “the old is good” and “the old is safe”. That it would be hassle free if I will just stick with my routine. But the thing is- I choose to be different every day, to grow every day, to be fresher every day. After all, God is giving me a new and a fresher day each day.

Don’t settle my friend. Have a new and vibrant day every day.

May God bless you more!

Be the Good News

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” 
Lk. 4:18

All of us want to hear good news, right?
So why not make and share one today.

Go and visit an old friend.
Order and treat a co-worker.
Organize a get-together.
Do something special for your classmate.

Notice and appreciate someone’s goodness.
Enjoy and listen well to your son/daughter
Win and forgive someone.
Smile to a stranger.

Yes, be the good news you wish to hear today.
Godspeed!