Most of us go through life with our plate always full.
Often, it is deliberate — we fill up our days to keep any unwanted intrusions into what may otherwise be free or available time.
Sometimes, it is unintended, as when we are overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable personal circumstances.
Whatever the reasons, a full plate deprives us of the opportunities God presents our way to bring us to a higher, nobler plane of service, and experience His mighty hand at work in people’s lives — in our lives.
When I was first invited to be a volunteer for EPCALM, my immediate impulse was to say, “No, my plate is too full already!” No thinking twice, no reflection, I just said No, dreading the entanglements of still another commitment.
I had enough troubles to deal with, I couldn’t afford to bother with other people’s problems.
God, however, has a gentle way of nudging us into the direction He knows is best for us. So I eventually, and, at first, grudgingly reconsidered, and agreed to volunteer for EPCALM.
Since then, I have discovered the many wonderful ways in which God arranges our appointments, so that there is more than enough time available for everything we need to do and want to do.
Truly, there is no burden so heavy when we cast it upon Him.
Most of all, I have rediscovered the joy of looking beyond myself and serving the needs of others. It is so gratifying when we are able to look beyond ourselves and reach out in love to our fellowman. We are not only freed from the trap of self-preoccupation, and worse, feeling sorry for ourselves, we are ushered into the threshold of Wholeness — filling up a heart-shaped vacuum in our hearts!
This weekend, EPCALM dedicates itself to Wholeness — of the mind, body, and spirit.
And in so doing, EPCALM invites you to be among the growing number of volunteers who are emptying their plates so that God may fill them and bless them to Wholeness.
Come, let us journey together!
Atty. Jose Riodil Montebon
Director, EPCALM Adult Leukemia Memorial Foundation Inc.
