At the end of World Ward II, the menfolk in Pototan, Iloilo succumbed to the lure of working in Guam. Our father, Jose, was tempted, too, but our mother pleaded with him, Ti bisan makaon lang kita sang saging, basta kay indi ka lang maglakat. (We can subsist on bananas if we have to but please just stay here with us.) My mother must have dreaded raising six children by herself.
Then our family found ourselves in another crossroad — life was getting harder in Iloilo and people were migrating to Mindanao, the Land of Promise. So one day in May in 1947, we all boarded a boat bound for Davao where we realized that life was just as hard, my three older brothers had to work: selling ‘ice drop’ and newspapers, shining people’s shoes, while my brother Ernesto and I were selling togue (mongo sprouts) in the market which was grown by our mother, who also doubled up as a laundrywoman and a seamstress. Our father worked as property custodian at the Public Schools Division in the City.
Looking back now, I realize that what matters most is that our parents made the best choices whenever they reached a crossroad, changing our lives forever.
We all encounter crossroads in our lives. A place of decision that will affect the course of our life. Which path would you take: God’s will or your own way? The choice is yours.
Obedience to God enables us to keep calm in the midst of chaos, and for us to experience victory in the face of defeat.
However, true obedience must not be just a one-time action but a lifestyle.
In genuine obedience, the element of true humility is always present — which comes from the heart. Moreover, humility keeps our heart tender and pliable before God so that we are always willing to say, “Lord, not my will, but Thy will be done.”
Getting to a crossroad in life is a good thing because an internal watchdog tells us that something needs to change. It is a part of the process of growth, and may be accompanied by excitement, learning, success and fulfillment. Some obstacles along the way may also be experienced.
Crossroads in life will always be there. Choices may vary from personal to professional like Is it time to change jobs, start a family, move to another country, try to learn to play the violin or start a ladies’ bag company?
It is obvious that we have to make a decision because living means that we have to take an active role. It is likened to sitting in the driver’s seat, making up your mind as to which path to take, which way to turn, and whom to take with you.
But if you walk in obedience before God always, you will be open to God’s leading and instruction for you.
When you stand at a crossroad in your life, be sure to make a decision to obey God so that you will be able to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit: “This is the way, walk ye in it…” (Isa. 30:21)
_______________________________________
Author’s email: nenita.tayko@foundationU.com
