Note: This is a personal post written by Michael, and should only be read with a soft, melodic, and harmonious song in the background. Preferably one with a strumming guitar. 
We’ve all been there. You know what I’m talking about. There. That place where you think you’ll have to reach up to touch rock bottom. Whether in parenting, friendships, career obligations, church/ministry responsibilities, or whatever else…we’ve all had those feelings of failure, loss, pain, regret, and the feeling of our best just not being good enough. Believe me, traveling halfway around the world with my family to a new culture and lifestyle, and working with kids who come from troubled backgrounds has often left me with a feeling of inadequacy.
There have been plenty of things in the past 2 ½ years that I’d change if I knew then what I know now. We go into the town and see the faces of so many kids who were once a part the Refuge Center, and I think maybe I should’ve done something different, or put more time into each of them. I look at my 2 ½ year old son and remember too many times when he wanted my attention, but I was busy with other things, and I think maybe I should’ve done something different, or given him more time. I look at my wife and remember the many times I had to call her to say I cannot meet her for lunch as planned, because something else came up. And I think…you get the point.
The point is our inadequacies often leave us feeling empty, alone, and like failures. But maybe that’s the point. It’s when I realize how small I am, that I realize how big God is. Perhaps our shortcomings shouldn’t frustrate us, but help us realize just how much room in our lives there is for God and His plan.
Andrea and I met briefly with some good friends of ours when we were in the States last year. I’m grateful that they took the time to remind us of our priorities, and putting our relationship and family at the top of the list. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It got me thinking of where my efforts and time are, because our time goes toward what is truly important to us. Here is my key to success: God, family, others… Repeat as needed.
I have no doubt that God has called Andrea and I to the Philippines for this time, and no doubt that we are serving with the right ministry (Philippine Frontline Ministries). We’ve seen-firsthand-God transform not just the lives of the kids, but our lives as well. We’ve watched as abused, abandoned, and dangerously neglected kids have risen from the shame of the streets and slums through the renewing and spiritual reviving process that only God can perform. One of our boys going from using his hands to fight for what he has on the streets, to playing keyboard on the worship team. Some of our girls going from experiencing bodily abuse, to using their bodies to dance for our Lord in church and in outreach meetings. We have watched God restore lives one by one.
For anyone reading this post I have advice to give you. Remember the moments like these. Be purposeful about creating memories with your family, friends, and other all loved ones. It doesn’t require much more than thought, consideration, and a purpose of heart. Let me share some of our moments with you.
Family: The left picture below is a recent picture of Josiah and I. We were enjoying ourselves as the FTC kids practiced puppets with Rally (staff member) for the Wednesday summer activity. Ministry: In the middle picture, Sheila del Monte is playing Uno with her kids and several boys from here at FTC. Being able to show love and give time to your biological family and “adopted family” is very important for us, especially living in community amongst the FTC kids. Friends: The last picture is me with one of my new friends, Pastor Erwin. Erwin and I were both computer teachers last year at Frontline Christian Academy.
What is my challenge to anyone who reads this post? Make sure and create at least one lasting memory with loved ones around you in the next week.
