I've seen a lot of highs and lows in 2012. I'm an avid reader of news thanks to the remarkable habit instilled to me by my bosses. I read news that shocked me and I read news that I shared in social media sites (including different versions of the stories from the perspectives of the people involved and notable ones from ordinary citizens and others). 2012 shocked, surprised, came and went.
In all of it, probably one of the most that we had to deal with was the instability of some European nations at the first half of the year. It was a reality that none of us could have thought possible and a reality we wish would pass in the coming months or as soon as possible. Like many of the people in Europe, we knew reforms had to be made, not only in their countries but also in those that would be affected - the United States, China, the Philippines and the rest. While this blog is not meant to be an economic forecast or an economic analysis of 2012, the European recession is to me one of the longest running stories I had to read about in 2012.
How I wish some realities would go away. But we are wise enough to know they don't. And we try to remain calm, collected and in charge even when things are not as what we have hoped.
We still push through the boundaries. We unite with people to get through with the solutions that could solve our problems. Rising stars came about - people who continue to fight and remain on the path to do their jobs and not quit when things got difficult. Some we were sad about - because the plight towards recovery is real and unemployment is a reality they have to face everyday.
Still, the world had some milestones of its own in spite of the hard-hitting headlines. Human stories undeniable were rich in 2012. People rose beyond what the eyes can see to what can be felt by their souls and heart. It was a time when people acknowledged their humanity - their needs, desires, passions, pursuits, relationships, disappointments, fears - something that can be easily missed and yet is a big part of who they are and who they were created to be.
In no way is 2012 perfect, but lives were so much richer in spite of our incomes being affected. The connection, the bonds we have formed with the Almighty God and with one another were stronger. We were interested in what was happening beyond our backyards. Our joys are multiplied by the many and our sorrows divided by the many as well who share them with us. It was in 2012 that I saw people becoming, acting and experiencing what it means to be a person - to feel and be open to other people. Amazing! Such change in a short span of time.
The world I believe is a better place to live in - in spite of the "stinging" realities. We are still blessed because God came down and showed us what was real and what can never be taken away from us. If we gave up, we would have missed the relationships, the lessons and the life - the full abundant life - He was willing to share.
What was one great lesson that 2012 has taught you?
"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."
Isaiah 45:3
"and if you look for it [wisdom] as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Proverbs 2:4-6
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."
Matthew 13:44
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
In all of it, probably one of the most that we had to deal with was the instability of some European nations at the first half of the year. It was a reality that none of us could have thought possible and a reality we wish would pass in the coming months or as soon as possible. Like many of the people in Europe, we knew reforms had to be made, not only in their countries but also in those that would be affected - the United States, China, the Philippines and the rest. While this blog is not meant to be an economic forecast or an economic analysis of 2012, the European recession is to me one of the longest running stories I had to read about in 2012.
How I wish some realities would go away. But we are wise enough to know they don't. And we try to remain calm, collected and in charge even when things are not as what we have hoped.
We still push through the boundaries. We unite with people to get through with the solutions that could solve our problems. Rising stars came about - people who continue to fight and remain on the path to do their jobs and not quit when things got difficult. Some we were sad about - because the plight towards recovery is real and unemployment is a reality they have to face everyday.
Still, the world had some milestones of its own in spite of the hard-hitting headlines. Human stories undeniable were rich in 2012. People rose beyond what the eyes can see to what can be felt by their souls and heart. It was a time when people acknowledged their humanity - their needs, desires, passions, pursuits, relationships, disappointments, fears - something that can be easily missed and yet is a big part of who they are and who they were created to be.
In no way is 2012 perfect, but lives were so much richer in spite of our incomes being affected. The connection, the bonds we have formed with the Almighty God and with one another were stronger. We were interested in what was happening beyond our backyards. Our joys are multiplied by the many and our sorrows divided by the many as well who share them with us. It was in 2012 that I saw people becoming, acting and experiencing what it means to be a person - to feel and be open to other people. Amazing! Such change in a short span of time.
The world I believe is a better place to live in - in spite of the "stinging" realities. We are still blessed because God came down and showed us what was real and what can never be taken away from us. If we gave up, we would have missed the relationships, the lessons and the life - the full abundant life - He was willing to share.
What was one great lesson that 2012 has taught you?
"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."
Isaiah 45:3
"and if you look for it [wisdom] as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Proverbs 2:4-6
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."
Matthew 13:44
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
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| A green tree surrounded by a barren field |
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| Beautiful green fields |
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