Are You Ready for Retirement?
"Dream but don't sleep." -- Cherry Moriones- Doromal
Today hubby Wilson will start with his mandatory Senior Executive Course which should last for about a year, inclusive of special trainings in the US (normally with FBI). Other than that, all PNP officers like him are required to pass the Civil Service CSEE and/ or Police Executive Senior Examination given by #NAPOLCOM as requirement for future promotion-- as in his case, for possible senior superintendent (full colonel) and chief superintendent (general) posts, by the Almighty's approval and in His time.
One night, during the course of our preparation, I personally interviewed hubby using my own mock questions. I asked him: "How do you see yourself 3,5 and 10 years from now?" He paused for a moment and uttered sincere, hopeful, precise words in all humility which undoubtedly made me realize how blessed I am to be given a genuine-hearted Christian public servant husband.
"Relax and let our requests be made known to our God! Let's live one day at a time in faith that our Father has His own perfect will in our career, in our family, as well as in our roles and ministry for the country," that's my brief encouragement for him.
Then came into my mind these three extraordinary accomplished men whom I had a series of one-on-one personal talk and encounter lately.
Case #1 (Knows when to slowdown and stop... and he currently enjoys the fruit of his labor)
The first one is a successful lawyer, with astounding achievements in the corporate, international and local legal practice. He is in his early 70s and is semi-retired (as he termed it), spending most of his time developing his vast farm, caring about the environment. And as a matter choice, he is now living an unelaborate, healthy life well-spent with equally super successful luminary wife and fellow-accomplished friends (some of them we regularly see on tv, web and we get to listen to them on radio programs), incessantly discovering new knowledge to benefit humanity.
"You know, Cherry, what we're doing now in this organic farm are efforts to live longer and healthier," he whispered to me as we were traversing the hanging bridge in his property.
I need not mention that this man is considerably rich, famous and influential. He lets his investments work for him now that he is slowing down a bit. Along the way, he still maintains several businesses and a pretty decent law firm in a prestigious building in Ortigas.
This man wrote his latest book recently, sharing his testimony to the world. Despite all his accomplishments and busy itinerary, he allots time for Bible study and fellowship with his small group in his home in Valle Verde. He regularly makes time for old-time acquaintances and friends like us.
Without need of superfluous words from him, his inner happiness naturally radiates on his face; therefore, I would say that he is indeed a successful man!
Case #2 (Super active and apparently without plan to retire)
The next man that I will be gossiping about today is an 82-year old politician- businessman. I call him dad whenever we talk in private. I have learned so much wisdom from him as he would often impart his secrets about business--telling me the details on how he became a billionaire by using his creativity--as well as his personal styles and strategies for successfully raising his politician children, training them to become world-class athletes first, then transforming them into international scholars, then businessmen, and now, active politicians. I guess, this man has no plans to retire. He was hospitalized several times, but, as a medical doctor himself, he would always say that he is aware of the capacity and needs of his own body; for that reason, he stubbornly carries out whatever projects he has in mind and no one dares to stop him, because the man is resolute about his goals. He has positioned the tracks and future of all his loved ones already.
Despite his age, he, still, is an active politician as well as a highly-esteemed civic and business leader. To tell you, no one can beat this man's diligence! He would wake up each day around 3:30 am and would be in his project sites from 4:00 am to 12:00 pm where he simultaneously entertains everyone (meaning, all levels of visitors! From the masses asking for help and financial assistance, project coordinators, local political leaders, and various people with all their distinct requests). Vision and passion are his constant baggage and companion, as well as his daily dose of strength.
Case #3: (Extremely accomplished yet alone and lonely)
Finally, here's an 83-year old American tycoon, newsmaker, political influencer, diplomat, art collector, preserver of endangered wildlife species. Checking on his bio would make me run out of adjectives to describe his achievements. Just to give you an idea, with all his recorded contributions to the world, even to the White House during his time, in science, in the military, genetic engineering, arts, and so forth, even Einstein might have second thoughts about who is greater between them. Of course, he is a billionaire! Nevertheless, despite his age and weakening body, he still tirelessly explores business opportunities with foreign investors and government leaders.
Upon an intimate one-on-one talk a few weeks ago, I asked him why he thinks he has to work like that. I said, "You already gave each member of your family more than enough inheritance. Now, you are by yourself living a kingly lifestyle without family and friends." In his shaky voice, he began sharing his life stories with me... And in the course of his narration, he began shedding tears and more tears. In my mind, I couldn't believe that someone of his calibre would text me and invite me into his own home to ask for advice. He was political adviser to US senators and a prominent US vice president (who later on run as president) during his time. He was cum laude in the same school where President Donald Trump studied.He served as diplomat in different parts of the world most of his life. He owns luxurious properties and currently proposes projects to governments with figures in dollars which I couldn't decipher in my own mental arithmetic. Despite those, he is sad... and unsatisfied.
All in all, why am I thinking about these things today? Probably, as a form or realization since I just got home from a twenty-day US trip with my parents who both recently retired from government service. Simple as they are, all their lives, they had worked hard to provide for the family and they performed their functions in humility, love and passion. What a blessing it is that they are currently enjoying the fruits of their labor in complete strength, perfect health and with total happiness in their heart.
Think about this...
Ecclesiastes 1:3
What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Choose Life! (Blog Version) by Cherry Moriones Doromal
Choose Life!
By Cherry Moriones Doromal
The last couple of weeks have been full of surprises. And not all surprises are desirable.
As shared with my husband and sister-in-law one day: "Though I post a bucketload of feel-good stuff on my wall, what my FB followers don't know is that my inbox is flooded with all sorts of issues shared by people... by friends and strangers alike from different parts of the world. And social media has long been my special kind of personal ministry in a manner that only I and God know."
Speaking of not-so-desirable news, one instance that really broke my heart recently was when I heard about the 7-year old Filipino-Australian boy Julian Cadman who was one of the 13 casualties of the so-called Las Ramblas attack in Barcelona-- terrorism case, August 17, 2017. The kid and his mom who are residents of Lalor Park, New South Wales, Sydney Australia were only visiting Barcelona at that time to attend a wedding when the terrorist's van drove into the busy tourist district killing thirteen and injuring many others. As mentioned, Julian died and the mom has been undergoing series of surgeries since then.
Lalor Park is particularly close to my heart as I had the chance, not so long ago, to visit the place, mingle with community leaders and attend some of their community meetings through my friend Cindy. Anyhow, the lighter side of this story is learning that the entire Lalor Park community (from the school, to the firefighters to the local police) had recently initiated a superhero tribute for Julian where kids and adults dressed up in superhero costumes along with their GoFundMe fundraising efforts for the family of the victim.
Anyway, it's just one of the pile of stories I encounter in my inbox.
Meanwhile, a 60-year old close family friend who was one of my enthusiastic FB likers passed away this week without any hint that it would happen quite soon. Until now, I can't remember anything about her but features of happiness in all of her posts. That's why it was jaw-dropping to hear that she's gone home instantly, right? And just before the week ended, the young spouse of another treasured young female friend passed away after a 3-day dengue battle... That's after providing him with all the best medical attention, intervention and support by the family.
The whole point is that we don't own our earthly life and that death may come at any age, expectedly or not... I hope everybody puts that in mind.
People tend to complain, feel despondent or dispirited for various life issues without realizing that they're nothing as compared with what others are going through.
I am inspired by what Kuya Ed Lapiz said last night in his message: "If you have a problem, do something about it. If you can't do anything about your problem, leave it to God. Do the possible...and leave the impossible to God."
Well, let me cut this message here and finish it up with these Biblical verses as we begin our new week:
Deuteronomy 30:19
"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." John 10:10
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." Isaiah 40:8
By Cherry Moriones Doromal
The last couple of weeks have been full of surprises. And not all surprises are desirable.
As shared with my husband and sister-in-law one day: "Though I post a bucketload of feel-good stuff on my wall, what my FB followers don't know is that my inbox is flooded with all sorts of issues shared by people... by friends and strangers alike from different parts of the world. And social media has long been my special kind of personal ministry in a manner that only I and God know."
Speaking of not-so-desirable news, one instance that really broke my heart recently was when I heard about the 7-year old Filipino-Australian boy Julian Cadman who was one of the 13 casualties of the so-called Las Ramblas attack in Barcelona-- terrorism case, August 17, 2017. The kid and his mom who are residents of Lalor Park, New South Wales, Sydney Australia were only visiting Barcelona at that time to attend a wedding when the terrorist's van drove into the busy tourist district killing thirteen and injuring many others. As mentioned, Julian died and the mom has been undergoing series of surgeries since then.
Lalor Park is particularly close to my heart as I had the chance, not so long ago, to visit the place, mingle with community leaders and attend some of their community meetings through my friend Cindy. Anyhow, the lighter side of this story is learning that the entire Lalor Park community (from the school, to the firefighters to the local police) had recently initiated a superhero tribute for Julian where kids and adults dressed up in superhero costumes along with their GoFundMe fundraising efforts for the family of the victim.
Anyway, it's just one of the pile of stories I encounter in my inbox.
Meanwhile, a 60-year old close family friend who was one of my enthusiastic FB likers passed away this week without any hint that it would happen quite soon. Until now, I can't remember anything about her but features of happiness in all of her posts. That's why it was jaw-dropping to hear that she's gone home instantly, right? And just before the week ended, the young spouse of another treasured young female friend passed away after a 3-day dengue battle... That's after providing him with all the best medical attention, intervention and support by the family.
The whole point is that we don't own our earthly life and that death may come at any age, expectedly or not... I hope everybody puts that in mind.
People tend to complain, feel despondent or dispirited for various life issues without realizing that they're nothing as compared with what others are going through.
I am inspired by what Kuya Ed Lapiz said last night in his message: "If you have a problem, do something about it. If you can't do anything about your problem, leave it to God. Do the possible...and leave the impossible to God."
Well, let me cut this message here and finish it up with these Biblical verses as we begin our new week:
Deuteronomy 30:19
"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." John 10:10
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." Isaiah 40:8
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