Live a Happy Life eBooks

The Storm That Took Away
        Everything Except What Really Matters

Saturday, June 21, 2008, was an unforgettable day in my life and the lives of all the Ilonggos living in Pan-ay Island, especially in the city of Iloilo. I woke up with the news that a signal no. 3 typhoon is on its way to hit our place. Outside, heavy rains and strong winds started to fell, the reason why I cancelled all appointments and opted to stay at home with my family. Together with my wife, my father, mother and sister, we spend the day chatting, eating, joking, reminiscing “good old days,” while doing some household chores and taking care of our two children. It was just like any ordinary day except for the storm outside, which we thought was something that would pass by after a couple of hours or for just a day. Around 1:30 pm, my father went outside to buy something from a nearby “sari-sari” store but went back urgently telling us that people within the neighborhood were starting to evacuate. To my curiosity I rushed from the house to see what was happening. I was surprised when I saw people carrying their belongings in haste; some were getting ready with their vehicles.  A  few  meters  away  from the  house was  the overflowing creek. Without delay, I ran back, shouted at everyone to pick up the children, board the car and evacuate. Barely five minutes before the flash flood came, we’re on the road with only a few pieces of diapers and two cans of milk for my 2-year old boy and 8-month baby girl.

The following day we checked on the house and saw the level of water rose up as high as 7 feet. We were shocked to see the house and everything in it overturned and buried in ankle-deep mud. What ached my heart the most was the loss of all the books and important documents. We can’t figure out how to start cleaning up and repairing the damages that the flood brought to us. But in spite of all that happened, one important thing surface in my heart: I realized that what is important in life is how we look at our circumstances and how we respond to them. I then started to look at things beyond the catastrophe and begin to thank God for it. I changed my focus from my situation to the One who is in control of all situations. 

The flood took all our “things” but thank God my whole family is safe and we still have eternal things in heaven He in store for us. I lost all the books from where I learned a lot of life’s principles but thank God I had in my heart this one important and life-changing principle that says, “All things work together for good to those who loved God and are called according to His purpose.” The flood took away our clothes but thank God, His love, peace and joy, in spite of what happened clothed us everyday. The devastation destroyed hundreds, even thousands of houses and lives but with faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ, we have this promise that we have a home in heaven which no one can destroy! In a nutshell, regardless of our circumstance, we can still make a choice to enjoy life, be happy everyday, and be grateful always. I pray that as you keep on reading this simple book on how to be always happy in following Jesus, you will find it helpful in your journey to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. God bless and read on.