UCM Scholars' Fellowship: Things I Am Grateful For

After attending the UCM Scholars' Fellowship in Makati, I continued watching Ragnarok. I am done with the first two seasons. Watching the first episode of the third season, this statement from Magne's potential witness caught my attention. The statement captured today's theme in the UCM Scholars' Fellowship. The old lady said:

I promised myself not to take vengeance and to live my life as though every day was the last day, be happy and grateful.

The theme of the meeting is about gratefulness and thankfulness. Pastor Chad Williams introduced his theme by citing an unusual experiment by the group of Joshua Bell, the Grammy-winning violinist who performed in the Washington subway in 2007. He said that to watch Bell's performance, one has to pay 1,000 USD. The experiment lasted 45 minutes, testing how many people would pay attention and how much money could be collected. Out of 1,045, only 7 people stopped to listen and after 45 minutes, they were able to collect 32 USD.

Pastor Chad shared this story to illustrate how we take the "wonders" of God for granted daily. He then asked us to think of five things in life that we are thankful for.

After issuing such a challenge, he shared afterward an article that talks about the power of gratitude. However, as I reread the article, it appears that the emphasis of Pastor Chad is different from the intent of the article's author. The article mentioned both the benefits and the limitations of the gratitude movement which often overlooks the experiences of those who have endured prolonged suffering. While embracing gratitude can have its benefits, the current narrative fails to address the complexities of life's challenges and inequalities. Without such a nuanced understanding, gratitude risks becoming a shallow exercise in self-absorption rather than a genuine recognition of the interconnectedness of human experience and responsibility towards others. Basing his message on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Pastor Chad's focus is for the scholars to keep a grateful attitude in whatever circumstances in life.

As I listened to the message, I reflected on my current situation, particularly concerning my work in the Business Office. Dealing with government agencies and banks isn't easy plus the demands of the work inside the school, my studies, my family, and my teaching task. In situations like these, it is easier to see the negative and the ugly. What strikes me is the insight taken from Matthew 26:27 that before the betrayal and the crucifixion, Jesus gave thanks to His Father when He performed the communion. He knew all along what would happen afterward, but He gave thanks nonetheless.

As Pastor Chad concluded his message, he asked us to write down five things we are thankful for. And these are the five items I wrote down:

• the gathering of schools today

• life goes on despite everything

• health

• technology, and

• challenges in the Business Office

Pastor Chad asked us to try continuing the practice for 40 days and see what would happen.

And now for more things, I am thankful for today. First, for lunch. Both the registrar and myself accompanied five of our students. Since the event is scheduled at 1 PM, we dropped by first at 7-Eleven and took our lunch.

This is what I selected, a Korean meal:

After a pleasurable meal, we went straight to UCM. However, I noticed a park. I could not help myself, but take a picture of this beautiful park. Its name is Legaspi Active Park:

And the beauty of this tree and garden did not escape me:

Upon arrival at the venue and while waiting for our assigned tables, we took another group picture:

I love the smiles! 😄

Before the program started, the staff of UCM also had their moment:

Here is the gathering of the schools' representatives and scholars:

The program ended at exactly 4:30 PM. Exiting the facility, our registrar told me that UCM is giving free books. After browsing the collection, what caught my attention was this book:

And for our last photo, this one was taken inside the car.

Grace and peace!

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