Live Life by George Tolentino Gabriel [SAMPLE]

WALIS

GUSTO KONG MAGING isang walis.” (I want to be a broom.) That was his answer to the question, “If you were to choose a symbol for yourself, what would it be?” I, of course, answered, “A musical note. Because I love to sing. I love making music.” His answer was a broom. Why? “Dahil kahit marumi, nakakalinis.” (Because even if it’s dirty, it can be used to clean.)

This was one of the most memorable conversations I’ve had with one of my closest friends, Mimo Perez. He’s very much perceived as a holy man, but he’s also amazingly in touch with his weaknesses. Yet, he doesn’t belittle himself because of them. In fact, he considers them his greatest strengths. He says that God’s glory is seen when He uses weak people. It sends a message to everyone that God can use you despite your imperfections, mistakes and even sins.

Saint Peter was a humble fisherman. A common man. He denied Jesus. And yet, Jesus entrusted him with the keys to heaven’s gate. Saint Paul was responsible for murdering thousands of Christians. He ended up writing half of the letters in the New Testament.

My friend, Jimmy, formerly lived a life of drugs, sex, and gambling. Today, he leads people to the Lord by his witnessing and leadership.

I’m not perfect either. Just the other day, I stumbled into sin. After so many years of giving my life to God, I still fail. But He gave me the grace to repent. And now, I know all the more that His love for me is unconditional.

Our sins don’t define us. God’s grace does.

He’s calling all of us to serve Him, one way or another — in community, in school, in our family. We don’t need to be righteous before saying yes to His call. He’s not limited by our shortcomings. In fact, He wants to use them to inspire others. He wants you to be His broom.

And as He uses us, He molds us more and more into the child He intended us to be.

Will you say yes to Him today?