Relationship defines humanity

This was my script on my inspirational talk for a commencement exercise of Informatics CDeO last 2013. The message was all about setting their values on the right things now that they are done with their tertiary years of education. I believe this message would still make sense to people of all ages.

I still remember the days wherein gadgets and software last for more than 3 years in the market and still has its value and price remain intact. I still remember growing up with my family computer, playing Mario, Battle City, and Ice Climber. Then after some few years, I enjoyed the personal computer installed first with DOS, windows 3.1, 95, then 98 then the XP. There was a long gap between software versions. Buying and installing new OS always feel a good deal for me because I am assured of its importance and value. I know it will last long.

Today, things have changed, everyone is in a rush. You see the latest mobile phone, OS, or software go down after a year. Today, when we go to our market, we always tend to question ourselves if it’s worth buying a specific item this year or should I wait for a new one because I’m pretty sure it’s coming after a few months. Our value system has been challenged. The way we see the importance of things feels so artificial or abstract. It feels like what I believed today as the best won’t be after a few click of a button. The best mobile phone won’t be the best after a month, the best framework will be replaced after a few days, and your best security system will shutdown after a few hours.

This presents a challenge for you as graduates in the field of information technology because you are in need to adapt for rapid changes but I tell you today, you are more than all of these things. The world challenges our value system, but don’t ever think that this value system that the world is pushing applies to you. You are more than all of these. You are more than the changes of mobile phones, you are greater than the changes of software, and you are bigger than gadgets and gizmos.

Give me a thumbs up if you agree. Now, look at your thumb, and face that thumb finger print. I want you to know that no one has that. You alone carry that. Look at your fellow graduates, your teachers, and your family as well. There might be similarities of faces but no one is a copy of someone. You are unique.

You are a masterpiece, and you are the best of who you can ever be. No one could ever replace or degrade or downgrade of what you have become as of today. There will be competitions after you leave the portals of this institution. It will be a tough one. Some might not get the job to the position they want to apply, some might not even get the opportunity for an interview, and some might not even meet the requirements for the said job vacancy but this will never dictate your value.

Never allow money to dictate your value, never allow achievements or position to dictate your value, and never allow discouragements and praise to dictate your worth because when there is a lack of it then it would surely destroy you. Don’t allow the material or temporary things dictate your value because none of it will last long.

What defines our value? (I’m glad you ask that question)

^“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18

It is simple. It is about the relationships that we have.  It is unique to each one of us but it is as important as everyone else. Relationships are the result of decisions and effort of either one or both parties to establish a connection between them. The reason why we came to life is a result of a relationship, the reason why we learn in our specific field of interest is from a relationship with our mentors and teachers, the reason of our graduation is from the relationship that we have with our family and relatives. It will be relationships that lets you earn salaries and get a living. That is why I want you to value relationships because it is only relationships that last long than anything in this world.

The things that you value defines your purpose. Also, It is the one that you will serve.  The valuable things in your life will determine your direction and it will be your priority whenever you make a decision. 

The biggest question will be what relationships do you have right now and what relationship do you want to have right now?

As I end, I want you to ponder on that question with these nuggets of truth that I entrust you:

• You are more than the things and changes of this world
• You are unique and nothing could ever change your value
• Let relationships define your worth and not anything else 
• Always go forth for the things that are eternal.

Good day and God bless you all!

- an Inspirational Talk, Informatics Cagayan de Oro Graduation 2013

What should I do today?

At the start of the day, some people look at their planner to see what they have to do today. For others, they try to be spontaneous and see how time flows. Either way, there is a huge chance that we might miss out the on most important thing to do in the day, which could result in statements such as "I'm not productive today" or "I've wasted another day". If you have not yet come across these thoughts, good for you! If, however, you have thought these things, it is my prayer that with these impressions I might be able to help you on this aspect.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

What I'm about to share are four activities that are already part of your daily routine, to add value and present a perspective that would help you realize that what you are doing is already valuable, and to have more wisdom on managing your time.

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

    the world and those who dwell therein," - Psalms 24:1

1. Creativity. Some call it leisure time and some call it recreational activities but these terms may lack a sense of value or purpose so I'm gonna call it creativity time. It is a time away from productivity or work but this is the time where you explore and expand the perspective of your mind. Creativity time is very important because it allows you to experience a break from the pressing productivity time or daily routine. It is the time to receive fresh ideas and fresh insights that you might be able to use during productivity hours and social activities. During this time, we read a book, watch a movie, play a game, eat good food – it’s up to you. Creativity time is to enjoy God's creation and be impacted with the wisdom of His creativity. This is something you can do anywhere or at any time because God allowed and created everything after all.

"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." - Psalms 127:2

2. Rest or sleep. God designed rest and it is still part of His awesome creativity. He even specifically mentioned the Sabbath. Some health-buff people who observe proper diet and exercise still have medical complications because of they lack the correct amount of sleep. This would result in less energy and the poor performance of the systems in your body. The saying "the mind is willing but the body is weak" still results in weak productivity. You can be at your best when you are doing all other things within the day. Why choose to do it in a grumpy, desperate, and struggling way?

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" - 1 Peter 4:10

3. Productivity. The Dead Sea has no fish or aquatic plants because it stores up a huge amount of salt and has no outlet. We get to experience God's creation, we store up a lot of experiences – and we have to let it out. Otherwise, we'd end up frustrated or disappointed with ourselves. The life that we live has a greater purpose and it's not just for ourselves but it's something that we have to share with other people. You have that specific calling in your life, or a specific vocation. Each individual is marked with unique experiences of God's creativity which would hint at or determine the specific calling of their lives (although it might take another post to shed some light in finding your vocation). Also, the added bonus of productivity time is that you get paid. 

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” - Luke 3:11

4. Social Activity. We are all social beings and we are designed that way. We experience God's creativity, do something about it, and we have to share it with other people. We share it with our friends, family, co-workers, church, and customers. Everyone is a living vessel of God's goodness and creativity that is meant to be connected with every being of God's creation. Failing to see that point will end up making you selfish or egocentric – we wouldn't want that!

Summing it up, it all begins with enjoying God's creativity. Everything else is just an outflow. If we fail to experience God's creativity then we might end up being frustrated with how we spent our time or try stealing time from other important things. God's creativity is a source of joy, strength, and wisdom that will indeed make all the burdens light.

With these in mind, may you have greater knowledge in managing your time and have greater enjoyment spending it.