2013: Year of Explorations

  Few hours ago, we literally waved our goodbyes to 2013 and embraced 2014 with joyful hearts. Today, everything will be refreshed—hoping for a good start. Almost everyone is doing such a wonderful review for all the things happened last year. As for me, and for what I have been doing for the past three year now, I am looking back to what happened in my 2013 journey—both good and bad, beneficial or not.

The year 2013 is a year of unexpected achievements, explorations, and discoveries to me. I have achieved things that are not literally included in my 2013 goals. I have explored many things in life that I could possibly consider as good tries. I have discovered some treasures that are considerably priceless. Let me enumerate some of them.

November of 2012, in CCSI, I was assigned to handle the Speech Laboratory classes for the six grade levels. Although it was not really related with my area of specification, the school administrators trusted me with my amateur skill in this course. We agreed to begin the class early the next year. The Speech Lab classes I facilitated were filled with laughter and fun. I enjoyed the experience of being an English teacher, and I think it is when the journey of me majoring in English has started.

It was in January 2013 when I was asked to edit the Graduation script of CCSI. At first, I don’t want to accept this task for several reasons, but since they trusted me a lot, I did. I challenged myself to have the Graduation script written in an untypical manner, quite innovative from the previous scripts they have had. I passed the first draft; they said it’s good and different. I wasn’t satisfied, so I edited the drafts and had I think three more drafts before the final draft was written, proofread, and passed. They were amazed by how the script was written. In effect, they asked me to become the Program Director as well. I never had a chance to direct a big event such as school graduation. I am doing this directing stuff while working as a part-time school administrator (checking students’ profiles, updating their folios, etc.). I was also assigned to layout the student handbook of CCSI. That happened in February to March 2013. My first quarter was filled with unexpected jobs and unexpected experiences.

Unfortunately, I’ve got my first conflict with a colleague during the graduation rehearsal. We had had a misunderstanding during the last day of rehearsal.  I told the teachers that they could change some minor parts in the script, which she didn’t get well (I think). Out of frustration to perfect the event flow and out of tiredness, I yelled at her saying she should not do what she had done. It was a wrong move, yet I only stood in my position as the Program Director. I actually planned not to attend the ceremony, yet the sense of obligation pushed me to do so. We achieved our ultimate goal to make almost everyone in the room cry. The ceremony was filled with intense emotion that was tattooed in everyone’s heart. It was unforgettable.

I resigned from my position as a Math teacher after the graduation not because of the conflict but because I thought I have done my job well and I need to move from Elementary level to a higher level of education, Secondary perhaps. I was officially unemployed for the entire summer, not to mention my summer job in Math Works Tutorial Center which is also one-of-a-kind experience. I worked in MW for two months, I think. That was during the Advance Lectures in Math and for the UPCAT Review we are organizing during summer. I have the chance to contribute in the handbook we used in the Review.

I took the LET last March 2013. Unfortunately, I was hooked up with lots of things to do so I had no time to review. Luckily I passed and I’ve got a high grade. The result was released May 2013. When I had a chance to drop by the PRC, that was sometime in May, I went there. Some strange voice told me not to push through, but I was stubborn. I went there though it is nearly evening. What happened was some big guy followed me through, grabbed me and robbed all my valuables—phone and around P3, 000 cash. I was hopeless. I was helpless. I learned my lesson to always listen to the small voice. Another mishap happened last August 2013, when a group of unidentified people robbed us inside our house. My new phone and new tablet, together with my cash and important ID’s were taken. Luckily, no one in the member of the family was hurt.

When June came, I am still unemployed. I passed my resume to almost every school of my dream. In fact, I was accepted in one school when I applied the month before I resigned. I only pulled my application back for several personal reasons. So I was then praying while waiting. Some phoned me and interviewed me, then either I fell short of the qualifications or I turned the offer down. One day, that was sometime in May 2013, an International School called me and scheduled me for an interview and demo teaching. I agreed. I was known as a Street Smart person, but when I was on my trip to the said school, I got lost. Funny it was, then, and heartbreaking was the fact that I wasn’t able to attend to my schedule and lost another opportunity to work in an International School. I was also become broke, then. On the other hand, my sister sent me an SMS saying STI is scheduling me for an interview and demo teaching. It was June 4, 2013, if I am not mistaken. I expressed my intension to apply right after I arrived home, and waited for the confirmation. I was schedule for an interview the next day and had my demo teaching the day after next. I was hired and was asked to report on June 7. That was the start of my STI journey.

The first semester was okay. I was adjusting from teaching small cute kids to big stubborn childish college students.(kidding on the stubborn part). I get to know some professors: some became my friends, some became my tropa. It was nice to be teaching in collegiate level especially when you are mistakenly identified as one of the students. I enjoyed my first semester. I gained a lot of experience, shared some to my students. These people who happened to become under my supervision become my friends. Well, I consider them friends because this is how I teach. The start of the second semester was quite difficult. I was assigned to teach six Math subjects, which is not advisable. However, I chose to enjoy the months of November and December 2013 just to lighten up the load.

The college week is done during December. It is when the students get the chance to explore things they didn’t try in a formal class. Last year’s college week was different as per the colleagues who are teaching in STI for more than a year. A Faculty Cook-off challenge was organized and I became one of the representatives of our department. We won the third spot. The college week also happened to have a Fashion night. I was invited to become one of the Male Professor models. I accepted the invitation. That was when I became a ramp model for the first time. I didn’t get the title as the Best Mode yet the experience added some spice in my ever adventurous life.

The week after which was the only week when I get to realize what I have and what I have had—the ministry I used to be involved in, the work God wants me to do, the love of my life who happens to be the star which lead me to the manger, the manger and who was in there, the lessons in every up and every down of my life, everything. I had once told 2012 was the year of wandering for me, and now I am telling 2013 is the year of exploration. I explored all throughout the year: gained new experiences, acquired unexpected achievements, unlocked new discoveries, and found the path back to my first love. I believe everything that had happened in the last year has a part in finding who I really am.

Although I wasn’t able to be on top, just like when I am in my younger years; although I wasn’t able to find the people who took away my valuables; although I fell in love and lost in the battle of keeping that love for a longer time; although I stumbled several times along the way; although I have so much pain and hurtful feelings within me; although I lost some of my friends, I know I am stronger now and I know I am mature enough to face the challenges again. It may be hard to begin, but I will start this year with faith in the Almighty One.

I am excited to what awaits me in the journey I am going through this 2014. I will just let Him show me the way and let His hand guide me as I take it.

An Open Letter to my Students

Dear Beloved Students,


I am writing this letter not to ask for something you could not do. I am not writing this letter to ask you to remember me and to give me a piece of space in your memory. I am writing this letter to remind everyone of the only thing I want you to learn from our class.

I know you find Mathematics so intangible and unrelated with what you are doing now. I know some find it the most difficult subject and unimportant since you wouldn't use the lessons directly on a regular basis. I know it gives you hard times and, sometimes, tears on your eyes. But, we have no choice but to take it. We have no choice not because it is part of your curriculum and you should pass this subject to proceed to another level. We have no choice because, aside from it teaches us to solve for the values of some variables, it also exposes us to what life might bring into our lives. Moreover, it gives us hope and positivity, if you could only notice it.

Mathematics teaches us life lessons. It prepares us to face the real world we would be living in after graduation. It disciplines us to become a better person. All topics in Mathematics, if I may say that, gives us opportunity not just to learn how to solve for some variables or to look for the solution sets, but also a chance to at least expose ourselves with some uncommonly common life problems we would face in the future. I am not joking. Although Mathematics is intangible and unreal, it views some realistic situations in the real world. Mathematics shows us how to solve problems. It enables us to solve our problems. Remember, there are lots of solutions to come up with that would lead us to one final answer. This means there are lots of ways to solve your problems so long as you arrive at the right answer and the path you would take is logical. Mathematics requires logical mind and analytic thinking ability. If you have neither, that is OK. Mathematics will help you develop these two skills you would be needing in solving the problems you would face.

As your teacher, I don't care whether you get low grades in Mathematics as long as you really learn. Grades are just mere numbers. They do not tell what kind of person you are or what kind of life you would be living for the rest of your life after graduation. They do not direct the path you would be taking. You should bear in mind that Mathematics is not just about numbers. It is about developing the right attitude and a positive outlook in life. Mathematics develops your attitude, which will determine who you are. Yes, it is about having the right attitude on every situation.

It saddens me to know that, just recently, some of you cheated. What would cheating bring about your life? Lies? You wouldn't get any good thing in cheating. Rather, it would lead you into condemnation. I don't know why you have to commit such a great mistake.

My beloved ones, if Mathematics pressures you too much, you could ask for my help. I am not just your teacher, remember? Moreover, I am your friend. I want to help you develop the right attitudes towards life through Mathematics. I don't want you to develop the wrong outlook in life because of this subject. If you did, that would break my heart. It really will! If you find Mathematics a difficult subject, you are deceived. Mathematics is not difficult. I want to help you find Mathematics not a difficult subject, rather it is fun. If you cannot comprehend our lessons, tell me. We can always repeat the discussion or I can provide more examples and more exercises (as how we are doing during our meetings) if it is necessary.

Days are gone so fast. Semester is about to end. Sooner we will be taking our last talks and our last conversations inside our classroom. When this moment comes, I want you to remember that indeed Mathematics helps you become a better you. I love you and I want to help you develop positive attitude towards life.


With Great Love,

Sir JM Casis

2012: A Year of Wandering

Page 366 of 366. The last day of the year, on its last hours. They say, it is, well, the loneliest, saddest moments of the year. Ironically, it is also the happiest and the most promising moments when hopes are being renewed, goals and plans are set, and new things are about to come. However, before I totally close this book, let me recall for what happened to me this year.

To start off, let me say this year is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, and everything that goes in between. This is not a typical year for me. I have been in a wilderness, not the dark-forest-with-creepy-sound-produced-by-monster-like-animals-unseen wilderness or the plains-with-green-scenery-atop-of-a-peaceful-hill-with-lots-of-wild-flowers-and-sweet-scented-air wilderness. The wilderness I have been through is intangible, unseen yet felt. If I may call it, it is the so-called spiritual wilderness.

Looking at what happened way back 2011, my life isn't well.  That year hasn't ended well also. There were things undone and things unsettled. These things needs settlement early this year, supposedly. However, I chose not to think over these things during the first months of 2012. Instead, I chose to set these issues aside, go on with my life without moving on. I lived my life as if I only live to earn money, spend on the things I love, eat and try the bestsellers of famous restaurants, drink and live well as if I am going to die the next day. Sadly, every night I spent sobbing, brokenhearted with uncertain reasons. Until the day I found out what's missing. I forgot God. No, I chose to forget God during these epic moments of my life. Due to the heartbreaking issues and condemnations put about my being during 2011, I learned to focus my attention on the temporary things, rather than on the eternal. I learned to live my life unfavorably for Him.

Despite of my selfish decisions, still His mercy overflew, overflows, and is overflowing. He gave me reasons to celebrate and reasons to give Him the glory and gratefulness. However, I halfheartedly give Him the glory He deserves. I know this is not right and fair, but my heart is still filled with angst. I just ignored, again.

First quarter has come. The much-awaited moment had to happen. I graduated alas! I miss being my family's pride. I became for this moment. Though I was, I didn't feel it much. Yes, I finally graduated from the most prestigious university, but I graduated without any award. That saddens me most. After graduation, I applied for a work, not to a point of frustrating my self to have one. I was accepted in three schools where I passed my resume. Turned down the first two, and accepted the one in which I think I would learn more. (In this time of my life, compensation is not at my top priorities) I believe, God just put me in this place to learn more about teaching kids and loving them despite of their low scores. I am learning. And, I am thankful for this.

Midyear passed. I am still living my life the way I want it. I worked to earn money; I earned money to spend it luxuriously. In the end, my pocket only had coins. Months later, my parents demanded from me to help out paying bills. In this time the fact that I am working not for my own's sake finally sank in. All I was thinking was I work because I need to support my way of living my own--independent, not asking for my parents' support anymore (only in the means of giving me allowance). I repulsed the idea of me paying our electricity bill considering I seemed like a boarder in our house. The resolution was I'd give them at most half of my gross income and let them spend it the way they want. No repulsion nor problem happened during the first months of implementing this resolution. However, I find it very hard to sustain my "other" expenses. I sacrifice my luxury; decided to spend less. It's hard, but I finally find a way to live this way.

During this months also, some relationships I once lost during 2011 have been restored. One is with my best bestfriend. We've been friends since 2007, and it would be hard for me to stay away from him. I thank the Almighty for restoring our friendship. Though not as how we celebrate our friendship together for almost weekly, we spend quality time together in a monthly basis. That is okay, at least we have regular bonding time.

I think it would be enough to have this one relationship being restored. I am wrong. God told me and reminded me of the people who used to hurt me. He's been telling me to at least reach out for them, forgive them genuinely, and hope for the restoration of the relationship we had. Still I ignore the call. Until one time, a close friend reminded me of how good God is in my life, and how much He wants me to live a life that is God-centered--with no unsettled issues whatever. I was convicted. So, inasmuch as I can, I started reaching for people who hurt me, of course, with His guidance and wisdom.

I experienced a lot of new things during this year. I was invited to judge a singing contest though I wasn't a professional one. I became an MTAP instructor, one of the things I wished I could do since elementary. I taught in Quezon City Science High School for MTAP--another dream come true. I achieved a lot during this year. More than anything else, I am getting into the right track again. It's hard, though, but I finally see the light. I am always thankful to the people who never rested from reminding me how beautiful life is and how awesome His love is.

I started 2012 unwell, but as days went by things are getting good, sooner becoming better. There are a lot more things to thank about in the year that is about to end. When one door closes, another opens. When one year ends, another one starts. I promise I will start my 2013 well.

Happy new year every one!

Lost for Words

It has always been my joy to have adventure going to unfamiliar places. Last Saturday, my friend asked me to go to their place for some personal favor. Unluckily, I am innocent of their place. Fortunately, I love the task and the challenge to get there ALONE. So I was in another quest to unfamiliar place.

Going there is quite an easy assignment. I just have to ride a jeep from my home to FX terminal at SM Fairview; ride FX from SM Fairview to SM North EDSA; another jeep to Munoz, then LRT to Monumento. (Whew, so easy!) I chose this path, though more expansive than some other suggested ways because I am more familiar with what to ride where. From there, I needed to go to a mall so-called Victory Mall, then looked for the Mcdo branch in there. Upon arriving at the Monumento Terminal of LRT 1, I noticed how creepy and how crowded the place is. Creepy in a sense that just across the street is the Ever Grand Central Mall, and along the side of the street where I was walking are the street vendors and lots of bystanders. Due to my demophobia, the excitement I had faded, and the uneasiness started to take place. It always happens whenever I go to crowded places.

I came in to our meeting place five minutes earlier. He said he would be late. So, instead of staying, I decided to roam around the mall to see what's in it. All I was seeing were people going to and fro, vendors of different goods inviting people to check in their products and probably, deceive them to buy some; "concerned" persons who constantly reminding the shoppers to keep their eyes on their valuables for snatchers are just around the corner; and, of course, the number of bystanders inside the mall. The uneasiness I feel gets too strong for me to become irritated and agitated. I decided to go to a food chain and stay there until he arrived. Of course, with due respect to the food chain, I ordered some drinks to have a "pass". Sadly, I only have big bills in my pocket in which the counter didn't accept. She aggravated the uneasiness I have. I still stayed inside and waited for his arrival. One hour after, he arrived. We left the food chain with some unfavorable memoirs. I asked if we can wander around the mall and look for some amusement/ entertainment area to unleash my uneasiness. We found one, but instead of giving me some relaxation, it worsen my feeling. To at least give myself some air to breath, I asked him to accompany me to an isolated area. There, I gave what he asked for and decided to move out of the mall and go home.

The crowd gets bigger as we went outside the mall. It's dark, and the place became creepier. I don't know how I can get home from there since I am undecided whether to take the same route I took or to challenge myself to try new path. All I was thinking was I need to get into a PUV which is not too crowded. I cannot take a bus ride since it's dark and everyone was going home. So, instead of going to a new journey, I took the same path.

From LRT Monumento Station to Roosevelt Station, I was staring outside, getting myself familiar with the landmarks and buildings. I came about Roosevelt Station just in time before it got darker. From there, I needed to take a ride to SM North EDSA. Upon walking down the footbridge, I saw a father, carrying his weak and sick son, sobbing and asking for some help. I wanted to give him some of my coins, but I was thinking he needs more than that. Despite of the tragic scene pictured right in front of me, I still walked through them, with a heart breaking into million pieces. "I need to go. I need to go. I need to go." these statement rolled in my mind as I rushed into a bus and had my second ride. However, before I got into the bus, I saw a boy sleeping in a corner, thin and had nothing, holding a plastic cup silently asking for some alms. My heart was then pounded to dust.

Arriving at the SM North EDSA, the father-and-son picture still stocked in my mind. I walked over the footbridge, waving this scene out of my mind. I was discouraged when I saw the crowd fell in line to get a ride to SM Fairview. What I did was to go inside SMNE and kill some time by wandering around until I met a friend who asked me to join her journey to finding a planner. We went from one stall to another, until we finally found a planner just fit for her. The sadness I felt for the sobbing father suddenly gone.

When I got home, all I was thinking is the lessons I learned in my one-day-lost-for-words journey. Yes, I almost lost some words to describe what is going on. First the journey is so tiring that I almost gave up trying. Yet, the urge to help my friend pushed me to give a little more effort. And, yes, I did! The uneasiness I felt almost killed me from the inside out. It choked me and the patience to wait for him. The crowd and the fear about losing something caused me to almost quitting. The sobbing father and the young kid reminds me how blessed I am having enough food to eat, and a healthy body. The traffic and the long line saying life is never an easy road. My friend who I accompanied with tells someone, in the middle of misfortune, will surprise you in one way or another. And a lot more.

More than anything, the place we I went put me into my being. Its impression tells something that I almost forget--simplicity. The people there, though the place isn't great, learn to appreciate things and enjoy what life brings about. Inside the amusement center, people are busy playing and enjoying with their things put just in a corner near them. They ignore the fact that anytime, their valuables might be stolen. On one game, someone who played after me, smiled at me first, probably saying, thank you for giving me a chance to play and good luck for the next game. It is a total odd thing for me to receive a smile for a totally stranger, yet his smile gave me an assurance of nothing to fear and nothing to hide for. Everyone inside the room enjoy playing unconsciously, one thing I didn't feel when I am in an amusement center nearby. Their life is simple and they are contented with it.

The journey I had is never an incident. Every little thing I encountered gives me some lesson I definitely didn't learn inside the classroom. I just hope everything would be fine with the sobbing father and his son.

Metro Ligaw

"Minsan, okay lang maligaw para malaman mo na hindi lahat ng daang nais mong tahakin ay tama. (Sometimes, it is okay to get lost to realize that not all the path you want to take are right.)"

Madalas kapag may spare time ako, isa sa mga ginagawa ko ang mag-road trip. Hindi naman madalas, pero mas nakakapag-isip ako kapag gumagala kesa nag-i-stay sa isang lugar at nagmumukmok.


Kanina, may spare time ako at nais ko talagang pumunta sa kung saan man. Iniisip ko kung saan nang may nag-text sa akin at pinapapunta ako sa Quiapo. "Ayos to," sabi ko sa sarili ko. Ayos kasi hindi pa talaga ako nakakagala sa Quiapo. Ang alam ko lang ay ang Quiapo Church pero yung pasikot-sikot dun, hindi pa. Kaya nagmadali akong ayusin ang gamit ko paalis ng school para bumyahe at tumungo dun. Ang alam kong daan ay yung sa Quezon Avenue kung saan malaki ang posibilidad na ma-traffic ako. Buti na lang, may isa akong co-teacher na nakasabay paalis ng school at nagsabing puede akong mag-LRT papunta. May isang station lang ako na bababaan, tapos sasakay ng jeep o tricycle papunta sa Isetann. Agad kong tinext yung kaibigan ko na nagyaya sa akin. "Papunta na ako," sabi ko. Nang nasa LRT na ako, bigla siyang nag-text na may kasama na raw siya at wag na lang daw akong pumunta kasi nakakahiya. "Okay." sabi ko.


Inisip ko kung bababa na lang ako sa isang station at bumalik sa Muñoz para umuwi. Pero, naisip ko, sayang yung binayad ko kaya pinagpatuloy ko. Pagdating ko sa Carriedo Station, sinubukan kong maglibot-libot. Hanggang sa naisip ko na pumunta na lang sa Divisoria para bumili ng kailangan ko. Mula Carriedo, sa totoo hindi ko talaga alam kung paano pumunta sa Divisoria, buti na lang may mga napagtanungan ako. At nakarating na ako sa Divisoria, medyo nag-ikot ikot dun. Binili ang dapat bilhin at tumingin tingin ng iba pang gamit. Naalala ko, hindi ko masyadong kabisado ang lugar na iyon, at gabi na ako natapos sa pag-iikot. Dali dali akong lumabas ng Tutuban Center at hinanap ang daan pauwi. Sinundan ko lang ang agos ng mga tao. Minsan hindi rin pala maganda iyon. Sa hindi ko malaman na dahilan, nakarating na pala ako sa Tondo, Manila, bandang Binondo ata. Ligaw na ako, sa isip ko. Iniisip ko kung sasakay na ako ng kahit anong jeep at magpababa na lang sa kung saang malapit na sakayan pauwi. Pero, hindi ko iyun ginawa. Naglakad lakad pa ako at nagpakaligaw hanggang sa marating ako ang Sto. Niño Parish. Doon ko iniisip na magpahati na lang sa isang pedicab driver sa lugar kung saan ako puede sumakay pauwi.


Nagahap ako ng batang driver para puede ko siyang tanungin ng tanungin tungkol sa lugar na iyon, at para mas komportable ang byahe. Sa totoo kasi, takot ako sa mga matatandang drayber ng pedicab o tricycle lalo kapag hindi ko alam ang lugar. Medyo naging mahaba ang byahe namin nang maisip kong medyo usisain ang buhay nya. Naa-amaze kasi ako sa mga ganung trabaho dahil, una mabigat iyon at pangalawa nakakapagod. Nalaman ko na mas matanda pa ako sa kanya at mas bata siyang nagsimulang magtrabaho kesa sa akin. Matagal na rin siyang nagpi-pedicab at ginagawa nya iyon para makatulong sa mga magulang nya.


Nang narinig ko iyon, para bang may kurot sa dibdib ko. Pakuwari'y may kung anong hindi ko maisip ang tumama sa akin. Naalala ko yung na-realize ko sa loob ng simbahang pang-Katoliko nung araw ring iyon. Marami akong naisip. Isa na sa mga iyon ang "reklamo" ko na sa aming magkakapatid, ako pa lang ang nakaranas na magtrabaho habang nag-aaral. Isa pa ay ang hindi matapos tapos na usapin tungkol sa pagtulong sa magulang. Oo, tumutulong ako pero hindi ata iyon ang inaasahan nila sa akin. Parang kulang pa. At dahil dun, medyo nagri-reklamo ako.


Sa maikling pag-uusap namin, na-realize ko na mapalad nga ako na nakatapos ng pag-aaral at nagkaroon ng trabaho na hindi kinakailangan ng labis na pagpapakapagod kapalit ng kakaunting barya. Na-realize ko na hindi hadlang ang katayuan sa buhay para mabuhay.


Nang dumating kami sa sasakyan ko, nagpasalamat ako sa kanyang kwento dahil marami akong natutunan tungkol sa Tondo, sa buhay-Tondo, sa pagpi-pedicab at sa hirap na dulot nito, sa buhay. Nagpasalamat din ako sa paghatid nya sa akin. Nagbayad ako ng higit pa sa siningil nya dahil ramdam ko ang pagod nya.


Sa pag-uwi ko sa bahay, na-realize ko na sa pagkaligaw, marami kang matututunan. Kaya, imbes na mainis, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa kaibigan ko na nagyaya at biglang nag-bawi ng paanyaya sa akin na samahan siya. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi ako makakapunta sa Carriedo; kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi ako maliligaw sa Tondo.

Climbing a Sycamore-fig Tree

Almost everyone knows very well the story of this short man who used to climb a sycamore-fig tree just to have a glimpse of the Man who is known as The Messiah. This short man, by the name of Zacchaeus, was the chief tax collector of Jericho--a city where Jesus passed through before the Passover. His story, in my belief, inspires the reader and gives hope to everyone that even a sinful, a most hated man can be saved. A story that tells Jesus loves the sinners.

However, as I read and re-read this story, God revealed and showed some insights I definitely am uncertain about the first time I understood Zacchaeus' story. 

Zacchaeus is curious about who this Man, by name of Jesus, is. Jesus is so famous that even those who didn't believe at Him knew Him and knew every miracle He did. Jesus is far more than just a miraculous man. He is God! He is not just another superhero. He is THE Savior. These are just a few about who He really is. I believe Zacchaeus knew that Jesus is more than just a man who did miracles. Yes, Zacchaeus is curious about Jesus, that is why he wanted to see Him. 

In Science, something is discovered due to curiousity. Same goes with sprituality. Once we get curious about who God is and what He can do in our life, we would discover who He really is! Curiousity drives anyone to discover something. What God wants from us is to be curious about Him, and He is more than willing to show who He really is!

Driven by curiousity, Zacchaeus had this eagerness to see Jesus. But, he's short and the crowd was overwhelming. This might discourage him, but he never surrendered his eagerness. Despite of his height and of the crowd, he looked for a way to have a glimpse of Jesus. I believe his height and the crowd represent some things in our lives. The height represents our own selves. It might be our self-esteem or pride. While the crowd represents hindrances. Hindrances like our possessions, our economical status, our image, definitely our sins. Zacchaeus learned to overcome these things in his life. What he did was to climb a sycamore-fig tree and waited silently until Jesus passed through him. 

These two things--height and crowd--exist in everyone's life. We may not be aware of it, but surely they are hindering us to seeking God. We need to overcome these things to see Jesus' glory.

What makes Zacchaeus' story more interesting is that Jesus came to him and asked him to  come down and told him He should stay at his house. I believe he is not the ONLY man who climbed that tree. What amazes me is that Jesus, personally, came to the tree where Zacchaeus was and asked him to come down. Being in a high government position, Zacchaeus silently waited to see Jesus. Definitely, the crowd is noisy the moment Jesus passed through the tree, but, still, Jesus noticed him. God knows who really wants to see Him; who really wants to know Him; who really has the heart to follow Him and He is more than willing to show them who He really is. Because Zacchaeus has it, Jesus came to the very place where he was and called him by his name.

Amazing encounter happened to Zacchaeus that moment. First, Jesus noticed him though there are a lot more people who, maybe, shouting at His name and calling forth the Name of the Lord. Second,Jesus called him by his name. Third, Jesus asked him to come down for He will stay at his house. Lastly, Jesus saved him from darkness. What a wonderful encounter, isn't it?

Touched by the Holy Spirit, Zacchaeus hurriedly came down the tree and gladly welcomed Jesus to his house. And salvation came to his house, then. This part talks about a sinner welcoming God to his house (life). This is the very key to salvation--we must open our hearts and recieve Jesus into it, and ask Him to be the Lord of our lives.

To truly walk into the salvation, Zacchaeus told Jesus he would reconcile with the people he cheated by giving half of his possessions to the poor and paying back four times the amount for those he has cheated. One Pastor I talked with told me that when you are okay with God, you are okay with people. Another preacher I heard states it this way, "Remember the cross. When you are vertically strong, you are horizontally steady." 

When God revealed these things to me, I am left with nothing but teary eyes and broken heart. He reminded me of my spiritual status and how He wants to help me fix the brokenness I have within. He told me I could be in Zacchaeus' shoes and experience the sycamore-fig tree encouter. 

All I want now is to climb my own sycamore-fig tree where I can see God's glory shine upon me.