Moments

I caught the word “MOMENT” for three consecutive days last week.

Friday, March 2: I viewed a beautiful movie titled “Courageous.” Four law enforcement officers who are dedicated and focused in their calling to serve and protect face a big challenge daily—precious MOMENTS as fathers.

Officer Adam would not support his son’s love for running because he didn’t like the sport. He noticed the young boy was drifting away from him and he knew it was his lack of bonding MOMENT with him.

He also refused to dance with his daughter when she heard her favorite song because they were on the road. When she died in a car accident, Adam regretted not spending that precious MOMENT with her.

Saturday, March 3: I watched a  video by Elim Communities-Cebu Elder Bro. Bert Miranda who expounded on the gift of presence and the gift of MOMENT. He exhorted us to savor MOMENTS with our loved ones and not be caught up with the demands of the world.

He asked, “As parents, when was the last MOMENT you listened to your children’s questions, answered them and gave them your full attention?

Do you spare MOMENTS with your parents now that you’re all grown up and have your own means of living?

Do you have MOMENTS with your friends even with your busy schedule?

As teachers, are you always strict with your students or do you make MOMENTS when you pat them on the shoulder and appreciate their good work?”

His main reminder was for us to receive the gift of being present to other people and the gift of MOMENT we give to others—which is showing full attention to what they say or need.

Sunday, March 4: During the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass, Msgr. Dennis Villarojo reminded parishioners that MOMENTS of affirmation, valuing and acceptance can give us comfort and strength during MOMENTS of pain, frustration and solitude. So why not be generous and give these MOMENTS to others so they may experience it too?

I took seriously these three days of being bombarded with the idea of “MOMENTS”; that I should give time to people around me and not make busy-ness an excuse for  not being able to do it.

It was like God was pounding in my head and heart to evaluate how I have also shared the gift of MOMENT. Was I living in my own world and busy taking care of myself more than looking outside my circle to be present for other people?

If I were to face God and He would  ask, “When was the last time you gave the gift of your presence and the gift of your MOMENT to other people?” would I be able to cite a recent time?

I’d say I passed the test, at least on that Friday after I watched “Courageous.”

I went home extolling the movie for making me experience a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself gripped with tension during police action scenes, rolled with laughter in humorous scenes, shed silent tears during heart-tugging moments and cheered with gusto when the characters did a good turn.

Inspired by the movie, I was energized to complete my work upon reaching home. Not long after, my daughter arrived and blurted out the good news that she was hired for a job. I was happy for her and I gave a big “yes!” and “praise God!” Then I turned back to my computer.

After 30 minutes, I realized the house was silent except for the sound I was making on my keyboard. Where was my daughter? Then I realized I didn’t even ask her about her new job. I just saw the movie “Courageous,” which pricked our conscience about making time for MOMENTS of bonding and love. And here I was engrossed in  my computer instead of my daughter. Where was that gift of MOMENT for her?

I headed right away to her room, sat on her bed and engaged her in a MOMENT of joy for her new job. It took another 30 minutes and I felt good afterwards for giving way for that MOMENT with my daughter.

Long after, she will leave me and have a family of her own (I hope not soon though!), I hope she will remember these MOMENTS I’ve spent with her.

Msgr. Dennis is right. The gift of MOMENT will assure anyone that he or she is loved and cared for. Those MOMENTS when we were appreciated, accepted and affirmed for who we are will serve as the great balm to our sagging spirits when we experience hurt and pain.

I want my children to remember how much I love them and I want to savor their love also for me. Come what may. Whatever will happen to us. And wherever life will bring us all, the gift of MOMENTS we make time to happen are enough to bond us all in heart and spirit.

Reflect. Evaluate. Be honest. When have you shared the gifts of PRESENCE and MOMENT with your loved ones? If you can’t remember right away, it’s time to get that pen and start marking the calendar for MOMENTS that will bring you to them or them to you.

Let those MOMENTS be now before it’s too late.