The Gift

JOSÉ ADOLFO B. CRUZ

Mankind has been given many things. However, a greater majority are unaware of these beautiful endowments from God. The individual journeys into the four (4) stages or quadrants of life, enriched by God’s blessings from conception to birth.

Firstly, the basics. Secondly, the choice of a path or specialization. Thirdly, the mastery of one’s craft. And lastly, the “giving back” or “sharing of the gifts” that one has received during this journey, we call the pilgrimage of life, and where the author already is.

Gifts can be in many forms. Let me focus on the ability or talent. From the start of all creation and every birth of a human being, each has been given something that defines their uniqueness. One’s identity determines their purpose and mission in life. 

I realized that I had to discover this purpose and mission, just like everyone else. It was not easy, and the experience was colorfully enriching and unforgettable. I discovered that finding this purpose and mission was a fulfillment of the scriptures.

To seek first the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and God will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33).

My story starts from a typical childhood that began in the late ’60s. The community of these childhood years offered a good foundation of what I was to become. Indeed, a tribe is necessary to raise a child. The social interactions helped mold the young individual as the years of essential knowledge and discovery were spent. It was all fun and play, but its purpose was not apparent at that point. Later, one would know that these experiences contributed to an adult becoming a useful member of the community.

The pressure to choose a career gradually builds up as young teenagers mature. One had to decide which course to take and the desire for which occupation. Luckily, I was born into a family that could afford to send my siblings and me to college. For me, the career choice was more of a social game than anything else. Fortunately, there were career guidance activities in school, and my parents were kind enough to allow me to make a choice.

My basic education strengthened me in the areas of technical and manual skills apart from sports, academics, and an excellent spiritual/moral foundation. I enrolled in a preparatory course for medicine instead of going into engineering. The college year brought me to the heart of the university belt. It exposed me to the realities of life, which gave me more experience to develop traits of being street smart. So much disruption of classes as rallies and demonstrations always happened at the Mendiola Bridge, where we saw the fall of a regime and the rise into power of a new government. Different cultures and faiths were brought in by many international students and people from all walks of life.

My father told me that he could not afford to support my further studies in medicine immediately before I finished my undergraduate studies. So I enrolled in the College of Law and had some rough sailing but eventually finished it in 1993. 

Most people would feel some accomplishment as finishing Law is no easy task. But for me, that was not the case. I felt inadequate and unsure if I still wanted to enter the practice of the profession. I procrastinated and did not enroll in a pre-bar review. I spent the rest of 1993 in Philippine Cycling Sports and other things that gave short-lived satisfaction. Deep inside, I was unhappy, empty, and without direction. I felt like a failure even after finishing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and another degree in Law. Something was not right –  something was missing.

My conscience was telling me: “Look at you. You have a complete and normal functioning body, an excellent brain, and have obtained proper education. But you’re not contributing to society.” 

As these bouts with a conscience were going on, one Sunday Mass while attending by myself, the Gospel and Readings spoke about The Parable of the Talents. I realized that it was no coincidence. God was speaking to me! I walked away from that Sunday Mass disturbed and felt like the third servant in the scriptures who decided to bury the talent entrusted to him by his master into the ground.

Later, I visited a former law professor and lawyer with whom I refer clients. He asked me if I was taking the Bar Exams or enrolled in a Pre-Bar. Uncomfortably, I expressed that I was undecided. I felt not ready for it. 

I got scolded that day. My professor told me that if I wasn’t going to take it that year, I should abandon all plans of taking it altogether, as I am bound to forget all the things learned in law school. 

In all honesty, I must admit that I have to thank my late lawyer-professor friend. If it were not for his strong words, I would not have taken and passed the Bar Exams of 1994 and become who I am right now.

Covid 19 and the global pandemic have brought new challenges to our lives. It is no longer a smooth sailing journey. As the dreaded virus may strike anyone or there may always be the threat of being part of the Covid 19 statistics, all those years that went by suddenly became seemingly worthless. Then we realize that everything will end just like that. 

In isolation, God constantly speaks to us. We then realize that we have a lot to be thankful for and celebrate life as we continuously seek the kingdom of God. He has given us many gifts. We need to recognize that he gave these to us for a higher purpose.

I thank God for the opportunity he constantly gives me every day to use his gifts, which I gladly share and use to positively influence others in striving to fulfill my mission and purpose in life, which is my unique call from him.