Beyond The Medals: A Child's Goodwill✍️

"Ang Medalya Para sa Ama Kong Magsasaka" - The John Carlo Opril Story 

https://youtu.be/X0qsqmZMiTQ?si=cCH1ImlUN6OyT68D

--- Is it just me, or did you guys cry watching this video too?


Some of you might have already seen it, as it was featured on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. Since we don't watch TV as much lately, I only stumbled upon it through my YouTube recommendations. I just can't help but share it with you, along with some of my unsolicited insights! 😁


Tatay Antonio has been a farmer for two decades. His appearance clearly shows the hardships he has endured in the fields. It is truly heartbreaking (first sob) to realize that these farmers work nonstop so that we can enjoy rice in the comfort of our own homes. They are even more pitiful because they do not own the land they till. Farmers are among the most financially disadvantaged, yet they are the unsung heroes of our land. Tatay Antonio truly deserves God's bountiful blessings for all his pain and sacrifice.


Ecclesiastes 3:13 - That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.


"Tay, Tay, graduate na ak!" The teenage son, John Carlo, called out loudly to his father (sob). He was ecstatic to share his success and couldn't wait to embrace him. If people who live in luxury can display hatred, complain, and constantly grumble about life, resentment from someone in John Carlo's shoes would seem reasonable. Yet, despite their extreme poverty, John Carlo's outlook on life is deeply optimistic. He is without even the slightest trace of bitterness. He brings such good vibes, a true model of resilience.


When John Carlo reached Tatay Antonio in the field, he hugged him and repeatedly said through tears, "Salamat, Tay." What parent wouldn't be deeply moved by these words? The son fully recognized his father's hardships. How many of us parents receive such raw appreciation from our children for putting them through school? If there are any, they are likely few.


Whenever I hear interviews with less fortunate children, they always answer with wisdom beyond their years:

"Gusto ko pong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral para makatulong ako sa mga magulang ko...

"Para hindi na magbasurero si tatay at hindi na maglabada si nanay.
"Gusto ko pong maging doktor paglaki ko para mapagamot ko ang tatay/nanay kong maysakit.
"Gusto ko po na pag nakapagtrabaho na ako, mabilhan ko ng bahay ang mga magulang  at maiahon ko sila sa kahirapan.
"Gusto ko rin pong pag-aralin ang mga kapatid ko."

And so on....


Matthew 11:25 - At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.'


This instantly reminded me of my eldest son. On June 3rd, right after his graduation ceremony, we arrived home. Suddenly, he embraced me tightly with tears in his eyes (he was actually sobbing). I was taken aback. As we held each other, he mumbled, "Mama, salamat kay God, napaakyat na rin po kita sa stage." I was moved to tears and held him tighter. I realized he wasn't studying hard just for his own goals, but also because he wanted me to experience the pride of walking up that stage to witness his achievements. I praise God for that blessed moment between me and my son.


Proverbs 15:20 - A wise son brings joy to his father.


Our children are our ultimate status symbol as parents. It is not our successful careers, fancy houses, expensive cars, or bank accounts. It is our children's moral character, their growth into God-fearing individuals who love uprightness and who acknowledge God as the source of all things, and honor Him. That is what truly defines us as parents and serves as the most valuable, long-lasting wealth we could ever possess.


3 John 1:4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.


Going back to John Carlo. Poverty did not stop him from achieving success. His family is struggling financially, but he chose to do the right thing by studying hard and graduating with honors. Because God saw his pure heart and diligence as an honest, loving, working student, He provided people to meet his needs through Teacher Benjielyn, Manager Jericho, and many others. Truly, when it rains, it pours! Overflowing blessings have now come to his family. Praise the Lord!


There is victory amid adversity through JESUS, our Jehovah Nissi! 😇


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