ERNIE E. MAIPID, JR
‘Hurry up, Pops!’ my son, Paolo, called out to me as I half-hopped with my cane to bend over and kiss my two grandchildren, Aria & Andres, who passed by to bid us goodbye. They’re leaving for a month to go to the US to attend an aunt’s wedding. Remember, I whispered in a hug, ‘Magdasal! Magsaya! Mag-ingat!’ My fully captured Aria smilingly asked, ‘What do those mean, Papu?’ My wife, Gigi, instantly retorted, ‘Pray, enjoy, and take care!’ as she nudged me for forgetting that the children had to brush up on their Tagalog.
As they left, I kept the image of Aria’s face in mind, re-living her smile at my goodbye gesture, her deep listening, and then, her question, as if not to lose my point. ‘What do all those mean, Papu?’ I could sense her eagerness to understand the words I hurriedly made sure they’d bring with them on their travel.
The mental image of my Aria encounter stayed with me throughout the day as I reflected on her effort to RECEIVE my expression. I smile at what Aria taught me – the GRACE TO RECEIVE!
How do we RECEIVE people in our lives? The thought engulfed me.
– Do we open our doors to them?
-Do we listen and make an effort to understand?
-Do we make space?
The thought lingered on through the following day.
Encountering two other granddaughters over breakfast, Lexa and Liya regaled me with their sketches. Lexa showed me her drawing of a woman with her back turned. I quickly told her I’d title the picture ‘Lonely!’ as that is precisely what I felt viewing it. Then, quickly, I remarked, ‘It’s Beautiful, Lex!’ to which she responded, ‘Thank you!’
Liya, attempting to get attention, climbed up to me, hand-directing my gaze to her and her work of a girl’s half lower body with a soccer ball on her feet! ‘This is Lovely, Liya!’ I tell my baby as she looks at me in the eye. ‘How did you imagine focusing on her long, column-like legs and drawing it so impressively?’ I followed up, asking. She then showed me the page prior, where she drew the girl’s upper body, this time with a focus on her long, neat hair.
I smiled, amused at Liya and the thought that I consciously caused the depth of another encounter. Lexa and Liya evoked my attention with their stories and drawings. Giving my presence completely and encouraging their effort with feedback, I caused them a joyful reception, which I now happily ponder. I had given, and they had received, and we both are blessed for it! That memory of Papu, as forever marked on their lives, was even a bonus!
My thoughts bring me back to my morning question, ‘How do we RECEIVE people?’ And I am drawn to three realizations:
1. To RECEIVE is to welcome. A welcome gesture is an open hand. You are safe here. Feel at home.
2. To RECEIVE is to embrace. Embrace is receiving all of you. Embrace is not setting parameters. Embrace is giving you complete trust.
3. To RECEIVE is a willingness to be part of. I will actively be engaged. So that you know- I will respond. I will give of myself.
I quietly smile, pleased at the new wisdom gained.
Later, my daughter and her family treated us to a Japanese dinner at Motomoto. Caelan, my youngest ‘apo,’ snuggled comfortably beside his ‘Kuya’ (older brother) Tristan. I smile at how the Spirit seems to punctuate the day!
I breathe deeply as I ponder a GRAND GOD wants so much to be RECEIVED by us, His mere creatures, that He determinedly knocks at the door of our hearts, confidently believing we will RECEIVE Him!