Life Begins At Home

Asuncion C. Sagum

When the struggles become overwhelming, when my cross becomes too heavy to carry, I remind myself of my favorite verse, Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Rest is crucial help us keep going. Sometimes we work hard for a living that we forget to live at all.

If someone asked you what keeps you going, I bet most of you will answer, “family.” Here’s another question. When was the last time you actually bonded to your children in this New Normal situation? A simple chat, one without the usual glances at your smart phones or your paperwork. Is a date with your husband included in your schedule? Are all the family members present in the dinner table? Most of us work hard for our families that we hardly have anytime to be with them at all. How ironic life can be.

A passage by Mother Theresa wrote in her book, “One Heart Full of Love,” “See, here is where love finds its place. Poverty comes into our homes to give us the chance to love. Perhaps in our own families, there is someone who feels lonely, who is sick, or who is overwhelmed with worry. Are we there, open and willing to offer support and affection? Are you, mothers, available to your children?” Let us not let poverty smother the warmth in your homes. Work if you must, but do not let it conquer your life completely. All of us our merely scattered branches, connected by one root. Always keep in mind that you have a place to go back, a place called home.

“Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Rest can be found within your family’s embrace. Home is where life resides and life begins at home.

--oOo-

The author is MT I at Dulong Ilog Elementary School, Candaba East District