I yearn for that tranquil world when I was 4. It was not a perfect world I would say but, it was a pleasant one to keep. My parents used to bring me to the farm in Tupi, Kalkam. It was a perfect place for vacation. Gigantic trees were seen up hill. It was cool and fresh. Wild ferns and orchids were seen hanging on the trees. Their flowers were so lovely and unique. I did see those bees and butterflies invading their beauties. It was a charming scene to watch! Down the hill, I saw children bathing on the river. Their laughter was inviting and alluring. I wanted to join the fun but I did not bring extra suit. Anyway, it was enough and comforting to watch those children engulfing the clean water of the river safe. It was enough to relish some of the many wonders of the world.
My world at home was showered with love, affection, and attention a kid deserves. I got many kisses, hugs, and smiles from the many faces around my environment. It was sweet and wholesome. Every day, I learned new lessons and teachings from my parents. They taught me to behave and to be a good kid. They taught me to love others instead of just loving my own myself. They taught me to share my foods and toys to those children who did not have any. They taught me to become generous instead of becoming a selfish child. They tried to instill good values instead of wickedness. They brought in religion into my life and that was when I have known God. They educated me about the importance of prayer in one’s life. They helped me grow as a God-fearing child because they do not want me to become bad.
Now, at 14, I practically understand that the teachings at home, school, and church are all good. No parents would teach their children to cheat during exams in order to get high grades nor they would like to see their children involved in stealing, bullying, telling lies, taking illegal drugs and alcohol, engaging in violence, and many other infuriating activities. More so, no REAL schools would teach their students the art of killing, kidnapping, and plundering or the art of behaving like wild animals. No subjects in school’s curriculum aim to enhance one’s skill in destroying the Mother Earth nor it aim for producing corrupt and vicious leaders. Much more, no priests, ministers or pastors in the church would preach their parishioners about the beauty of mining, illegal logging, prostitution, extortion, and the like. Not a single of these institutions aim for someone to be wicked. All of them aspire for a wonderful world where there is peace and love --- a world where everyone values the gift of life and the gift of creation.
I weep to see the world in distress. I tremble to see the demoralizing and horrifying scenes I watch every day on TV about killings, starvation, violence, sexual abuse, corruption, massive destruction of the mother earth, and many more. Young and old are involve in the many heinous crimes! Man has no more fear and respect to the laws of Nature or to His divine creation. There is no more satisfaction and contentment. There is no more concern on the eventuality of his actions. All these are caused by the never ending unsolve story on POVERTY, CORRUPTION, GLOBAL WARMING, AND SECULARISM. I am scared. I started to ask myself, “Where are now the teachings of our parents, the school, and the church?” Gone?
I miss those gigantic trees, wild ferns and orchids I used to see in the forest. I never saw those bees and butterflies which used to sip the nectar of those lovely flowers I enjoyed to watch. I did not see children anymore bathing on the river. Man has robbed the world. We are denied of our rights to live a happy and healthy life. We are deprived of a safe and conducive environment. The farm is too warm! Are there remedies to restore the world?
At 14, I have my belief, I have my unfailing faith… that WE ALL CAN HEAL AND RESTORE THE WORLD according to God’s plan. Let the healing begin and continue in our hearts! It is a question of values and action. Let us be a PARENT that would teach the RIGHT VALUES to the children; a SCHOOL that would instruct everyone the CULTURE OF PEACE and GOOD GOVERNANCE; and a CHURCH that would preach and instill the LOVE OF GOD and HUMANITY WITHOUT ANY DISCRIMINATION. Strengthen religious instruction in the home and in the school to weaken the forces of secularism. With man cooperating with God’s grace, CHANGE IS POSSIBLE. By these, I hope to change the world for the better because I have been longing for that tranquil world when I was 4.
