We’ve been organizing Kaogma (a 9 day festival in Pili,Camarines Sur where CWC is) for the past 8 or 9 years. This year, Monique went ahead 2 days earlier so I got left with the kids. Then I was going to leave 4 days earlier than them because I had overlooked a wedding shoot.
Every night, as I mentioned in my past blog, I’ve been trying to spend as much time with the kids as possible. Wasn’t able to swim as much as I wanted to though… the day prior to my departure, I caught JD with my wallet and asked him, “JD are you getting my money?” He just gave me that innocent smile so I presumed yes but I know that it’s just for his buying of food so I didn’t mind.
Fast forward… I’ve already forgotten about this – I’m now here in Manila doing what I need to do. I noticed a paper folded in my wallet too thick for a receipt. I open it up and this was what I saw. This is the cabin where we stayed in Camsur. The chair is where I would usually sit. The thing on the right, I guess is the wake park and I am presuming thats me and him. For me, the way I interpret this, is this time is on paper because it’s a memory. Something he’ll remember in the future. It’s like a picture. If I can be successful at keeping this… when he grows old (probably when I’m gone) he can look at this and say “oh I remember this moment, that was the time dad would take me to work.” Now, You probably think I’m such a bad dad for accusing him of stealing but lets focus instead of him being so sweet. 🙂
I am just amazed at the power of time. We invested quality time on them during this trip, but you can really tell their love tank is full. Even when we can’t spend as much time as we want to — we as a family choose to work and make sure our family is part of everything that we do. It may be inconvenient. It may be costly, but it’s gotta be what its gotta be. We keep our family together as much we can — although of course daddy and mommy needs some time alone too from time to time. 😉
During our time here, we met a British guy who got shocked at the number of kids we have. He asked “isn’t that expensive?” and my reply was “Our kids are assets. Someday they will be the future CEOs and Presidents of our business and thats why they are here. This is part of their training.” and he says “Oh my gosh, you have the same answer as Monique!”
Indeed, that’s how God designed them to be. Psalms 127:3-5 “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
Children, the bible describes, are like arrows. You should fill your quiver with them so that you have a lot to fight with. Problem is, some parents think choose to keep their children in the quiver. They over protect them, some fail to sharpen them and leave the training to the school. Stop doing this! During this year’s Kaogma festival Jazz (our 18 year old) had the time of her life being Stage Manager for the events, Sabrina was my official photographer and Matthew made sure every supplier was fed.
Awesome isn’t it?
