THE GIFT OF AGING

Mr. Antonio Viñalon Abutanmo (91 years old)

 & Mrs. Teresa Alibuga Abutanmo (87 years old)

My parents in-laws were here in Cebu from December 14-18.  My father in-law, 91 years old, is from Camiguin and my mother-in-law, 87 years old, from Bacolod.  Both are now physically fragile but they still enjoy each other's company.   We took the opportunity to have them photographed at GREAT IMAGE at  SM Consolacion for prosperity sake.  This had been the happiest day they have together when this picture was taken.

Last December 19, the gospel speaks about Aaron and Elizabeth who according to the gospel were described as  "both advanced in years".  Or bluntly speaking, they are old and weak. Thus, I cannot stop comparing my in-laws to Aaron and Elizabeth in terms of their age. Coincidentally, the theme for my 4th day Novena to Achieve Prosperity and Well-Being is about Health and Prosperity with Psalm 31:10-11 as the Word of God for the Day:  "Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am in distress; with grief my eyes are wasted, my soul and body spent.  My life is worn out by sorrow, my years by sighing.  My strength fails in affliction; my bones are consumed." 

Praying for good health especially in our advanced years makes us remember that the simpler our lifestyle, the better it would be for us. Good health is a gift that we should also work for.  The more prosperity makes our life simpler, the more we would enjoy good health.  And if we don't spend so much for luxurious items, the more excess we would have for good works.  Good health is also a sign that we are not abusing the blessings of our prosperity.  We should really consider our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. 

Before they flew back to Bacolod in the afternoon of December 18, my mother-in-law sung a song for me over breakfast table that goes like this:  "When Will I See You Again? " a 1974 sung by an American Group popularly known as  "Three Degree".  Listen to this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgTzauT58xA

Why is she singing the song?  What does it mean?  If ever this would be last time God has given us to be together, might as well have a picture with the old folks, hand-blessed and kissed their foreheads before I say goodbye.  As I was driving to my office that day, I reflected if ever I would reach the same age as my in-laws.  They are blessed with age.  Truly a GIFT OF AGING from God.  Would we be blessed the same as they are?  Can we MAKE IT HAPPEN?  Only God knows.

Breakfast with Papang & Mamang, December 18, 2012 - 6:15AM, Tito's Residence