13/09/2025
Turning 24 and beyond hits different. Dati, birthday lang, cake, at tawa-tawa. Pero ngayon, may bigat na. Parang mas clear na yung reality ng buhay, especially about our parents.
Napapansin mo na hindi na sila kasing-lakas dati. May sakit na konti, mas madalas nagpapahinga. Doon mo mare-realize… hindi sila laging andyan. Dumadaan na rin tayo sa timeline na pwedeng isang araw, wala na sila.
Proverbs 23:22 remind us: “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Kasi ngayon, ramdam mo na yung “when she is old.” And it hurts, but it also teaches you to cherish them habang nandito pa.
At the same time, life and career feel confusing. Parang ang daming tanong: Ano bang gagawin ko sa buhay? Tama ba yung path ko? Pero lagi akong nare-remind sa Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Hindi pala dapat puro habol sa mundo. Kasi kahit gaano ka ka-successful, kung nakalimutan mong mahalin ang magulang mo habang buhay pa sila, at isuko ang buhay mo kay Lord, kulang pa rin.
So at 24 and beyond, ang realization ko simple lang:
Life is short. Parents won’t always be around. Time is a gift from God. Kaya love them more, honor them more, and live a life that pleases and glorifying the Lord.