Thank you!

T HERE is no particular occasion. You just want to give two persons a box of pizza each. One says, “Ito lang?” while the other says, “Thank you”. Who will you remember to bless again with simple things next time? A grateful heart attracts more blessings.

If something you give is not appreciated, chances are, you might not be encouraged to give something again. For some people, nothing is ever enough. You give your hand, they want your arm. It’s like the world owes them a lot. No wonder, they are not happy.

If you want to be happy, count your blessings. Be thankful.

Did you thank God as you woke up this morning? Where you live is generally safe and peaceful. You have running water. You’re still breathing, and you have the ability to do whatever you want. Thinking of simple things which are normally taken for granted not only makes you thankful and happy. It also makes you excited.

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it” (William Arthur Ward). May I take this opportunity to thank the following: Former Undersecretary Benito Ramos of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for making Filipinos feel protected whenever there were typhoons; former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the Cavitex and for ensuring that SARS would not become a major health problem during her term (thanks to DoH officials, too). Taking the MRT was hasslefree during PGMA’s time. Thank you, Madam! Thank you to former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the increase in GSIS pension; former DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo and former DoST Secretary Mario Montejo for their dedication to service, although they were quiet. Thank you, Congressman Neri Colmenares for defending the SSS pension hike. Thank you, former DSWD Sec. Judy Taguiwalo for your concern to our countrymen, and to former DENR Sec. Gina Lopez for your efforts to protect the environment. Thank you to the Filipino soldiers and policemen who risked their lives to defend Marawi!