Reflections

CHITO MAGSAJO

Sometime last year, I had a discovery. If I empty my mind of any concern during prayer, it allows me to have a more meaningful encounter with the Lord. I get strong leads at times, although this is far and distant. But when it does, it cannot be mistaken and denied. It is the Lord’s message because of the clarity of thoughts.

One of these meditations brought me back when I was 6 years old while playing with a toy sailboat in a pond in my hometown in Pasig. I couldn’t find the meaning of that scenery until, in my thought, I saw Jesus pushing the small boat against a slight breeze. I reveled over the feeling of serenity and comfort at that instant. But I also sensed that my boat is small and will not stand an intense rush of wind. I was then led to realize that the toy sailboat represents my life, and onboard this tiny floater is my family. It was reassuring when the Lord made me see that He was at the helm. He was navigating on calm and rough waters on a course He has charted Himself.

Then I saw my children at present. They were successful in their respective professions, and their benefactors rewarded them. Their peers also acknowledged them for their honesty, hard work, and faith in God. Next, I saw our six grandchildren from a lineage of three generations. They have sharp intelligence. They have artful insights and creative expressions. It surprised me that they have a mature recognition of  God’s role in their carefree life.

Afterward, I saw my wife as a constant and loyal companion for the last 46 years. How joyful we expected to work in the Lord’s vineyard even at the twilight of our lives. This is to help gather His abundant harvests and load them in a more prominent and sturdier boat. Jesus is the sole helmsman to sail our vessel over challenging waves of a treacherous sea.

That meditation took only about 30 minutes, I surmise, and yet God gave me a full tour of a lifetime. I wish all my conversations with the Lord can provide similar insights. It would be a quiet but fulfilling dialogue, even if I only have limited time. I long for how I can trust Jesus to take over my life and build a bigger boat for my family and others. I want Him to steer our vessel Himself to reach our final port.

This experience is significant to me because I know in my heart that it results from a spontaneous conversation with the Lord at that particular time.