TERESITA TANSECO-CRUZ
Sometimes ( or many times?) the life of material wealth, privilege, comfort and prestige can be considered great and to be desired. But it can also lead to attachments and eventually anxiety and stress and fear of losing them. That becomes one’s focus. God may be somewhere, dim, or even forgotten.
When that happens, one can consider in contrast, the simple life of those who live close to the earth, till the soil and live planting and harvesting from God’s creation of plants and trees, crops, fruits and vegetables, and fish from the waters.
The family works hard to ensure the children’s schooling so they can be responsible and later fend for themselves in the world out there, with values taught them by their parents. No material inheritance to expect, but a life of the True Self, in dignity and promise.
One will find that these “simple folks “are quick to smile, uttering with uncluttered happiness: “Sa awa ng Panginoon, nakakaraos!! Hindi niya kami pinababayaan.”(With God’s mercy, we survive!! He doesn’t abandon us).
The adapted lyrics to the song “Part of Your World”, expresses this contrast between the “rich” and the authentically wealthy.
It is presented with the earlier, Easter reflection in this series on our life with the resurrected Christ.
SONG TAKEN FROM DISNEY’S PART OF YOUR WORLD, LYRICS BY TERESITA TANSECO-CRUZ
SUNG BY MAYBELLE BANGAYAN-TI. Halle – Part of Your World from “The Little Mermaid” Karaoke: https://youtu.be/us6gm0jO_FY?si=yEeMQijOjVyIm8O8
Maybe you’re right…
Maybe there is something the matter with me!
But how can a world full of enjoyment and fun be really called “bad?”
Look at my house, isn’t it grand?
As though all done with the stroke of a wand
Wouldn’t you say I’m the girl
(The) Girl who has everything?
What fun to rove
With friends in troves
See all the wonders can I forever hold
Now those around me with less? Oh! They’re here everywhere!
But they’re happy while I am quite lonely
There’s that something I know they’ve in store
The whole glasses they hold?
Mine’s half empty!
Someone come
Fill my glass
I want more
I wanna be where the people are
It’s great to see, hear the chatting, laughing
Walking around with such, what do you call that?
Oh, JOY!
Stress and success will not get you far
But try the joy in planting, fishing
Strolling with kin through the, what’s the word again?
Fields!
Look where they walk
See where they run
Out where they stay all day in the sun
Wandering free, wish I could be Part of that world
No anxious looks
Just easy smiles
So warm and friendly
“Thank God each day
MERCY’s His way
His gift all free!”
Close to the earth, right there on land
Parents do not forget the schooling
Grown up children, set for working
Ready to stand!
And neighbors as one, together they grow
Kindness and faith, so loaded with “THANK YOU!”
Where’s the heart and how does it, what’s the word?
Learn!
I’ll take my turn
So will my heart know how to dwell in God’s glorious l-o-v-e!!
YES, I will be
I pray to be part of that world!
Thank you Ate Baby for this gentle nudge, for being that voice that reminds us, of the need to be cognizant, aware, of the need to appreciate the uncomplicated life, and away from those that may occupy us greatly, and distract us from the focus on God, and the joy of a life that is austere, simple, and un-adorned. God bless you po
Timely sentiment Tita Baby. This would also apply to people who, because of work, career or drive for a better life, have moved so far off center, they forget the simplicity of life and the joy of constraints. How often have I seen people associate material wealth and status with success, and conflate it with true happiness. They are never content If they don’t wear the latest kicks, drive the latest wheels, sport the most “in” branded paraphernalia, or own the latest gadget. Sad to say that they don’t realize they are chasing the rainbow, always in sight but never achievable because its an illusion. In reality, happiness abounds everywhere if you only bother to look and smell the proverbial roses. How can one see the beauty around them if one keeps staring at the horizon. Much to gain from being centered and grounded.