No, I did not tear my tendon while collecting seashells from the shores of Palawan. I miscalculated my step while setting foot at Sabang, Puerto Princesa from a jeepney. My small jump overstretched my right foot tendon, and with it was my dream of seeing the underground river? Or, so I thought.
Marlon and I went to Puerto Princesa in Palawan to use my expiring Mabuhay miles, spend time together as a treat for our 4th wedding anniversary, “ag-bonding” as many would say, and well, to pray and see the glory and wonders of God’s creation in this part of the world. It was on record supposed to be my first unofficial travel. I have been blessed to have traveled to almost all major cities in the country, and many major cities in Southeast Asia, but while there were many pleasure side trips during these travels, I have never boarded a plane just intended for pleasure and have never sprained my foot in any of these travels. It was also our very first travel for fun (we “honeymooned” at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio). But before we could even set foot at the Underground River, I had this little accident. I imagined right there and then that I will be immobilized for two weeks or more and so I thought, I should at least see this cave for the benefit to at least equal the cost. Against my hubby’s will, we proceeded; he carried me on his back to the pump boat, down to the other shore, then on to the paddle boat.
As with the Sumaguing cave in Sagada, and the Malabing caves in Kasibu, Nueva Viscaya, the Underground River was a magnificent display of God’s creation. It could well be explained as natural rock formations, yet just like how plants have xylem and phloem, how animals reproduce, and how babies are conceived and born, the stalactites and stalagmites are no ordinary outcome of natural processes. There must indeed be an intelligent Craftsman, a great Creator.
So after having been amazed at this wonder, we got back to reality and being strident believers of God’s sovereignty, both of us automatically tried to reflect and think on why God had permitted me to be sprained during what was supposed to be our special bonding time. We thanked God still, humbled ourselves and prayed for Christ’s forgiveness. Had I been in my usual performance-based, penalty-based system line of thinking, I would have thought, “What did I do wrong to deserve this?” But since having been enlightened that everything is only by grace and that we really deserve nothing, my thought was “What is Christ teaching me in this experience?”
We can never know for certain, and we can only believe as much as what our spirit and faith will help us see. We think that one thing God is reminding us is to not get caught in the temporal things of this world. It is not that God does not want His children to have fun and engage in pleasure activities, because His words clearly say, “…I have come that they may have life and have it to full,” but God may be reminding us of what it means to have life to the full. As John Piper puts it in the case of America, “the greatest tragedy in America today is the “Great American Dream of houses, cars and collecting seashells.” While we did not only go to Palawan to see the sights, but to retreat and spend time together, spraining my foot more clearly reminded us of God’s goodness and purposes, and bonded us much more than if I had not been sprained. As I had almost the same weight, sometimes even heavier than Marlon, he never dared carry me. In this escapade, he got his chance and we had really good laughs. We were also reminded that indeed, our life is at the mercy of our Maker. At any time, in any place, or in just a snap of a finger, we can lose a limb, any part of our body or our life. We thanked God that this time it was just an overstretched tendon.
And well, while we were not able to set foot at Honda bay and collect our seashells,Paul’s idea of Romans 8:28 (And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.-NIV) is wondrously comforting. I was not yet out of my crutches when I tested positive. God is great and He is good.
(I wrote this some months back but never had time to post it. I still limp from time to time due to pain in my tendon, but I thank God He restored my tendon enough to be able to carry this new life He's given. Blessings, -che)
