Learn or repeat

The past week saw my accounting classmates and high school batch mates bid adieu to our professor and classmate,  respectively.  While mourning the loss of life, it is also a good time to do some reflection on some tough questions of life.   The late Professor Lina Cortes helped build the foundation of many accountants’ careers and the distinguishing standard for excellence in thought, word and deed.  Our class was fortunate to have classmates who were dedicated in showing our appreciation and love for her while she was finishing her life.  We did come together for her birthdays.  Everyone agreed that it is much better to show your gratefulness and concern for a loved one while still live. 

One the way to Rodolfo’s funeral, the question of which I would prefer, attending his funeral or he attending mine popped up.  I prefer and am reminded to be content with the former.  At the graveside with the sounds of weeping and even extreme anguish emanating from the family, one had a difficult time finding comfort in death.  Yet we can find comfort in the thought that the most glorious moment in a Christian’s life is when we finally meet God.  That moment comes after our last human breath.

The choice between resolution or repeat the circumstances is thrust once again with the scheduled national elections.  We can view the elections as a test of whether the local community, as well as the nation, has learned the lessons from the past election choices.  Some may look at it from the perspective that the election result is an indicator of the locality’s intelligence quotient and that of our nation.  This will be an interesting campaign period as we shall see whether the “daang matuwid” or standards of uprightness find their way in the conduct of the candidates, election officers, and political parties.

Let us end with an encouragement to appreciate the soon to start campaign with the following anecdote that reminds us to learn now or repeat our mistakes again with the following: "The God Campaign!" joke. Recently an advertising agency launched a billboard campaign (including the inside and outside of buses) that included 17 different messages "from God". This non-denominational campaign was sponsored by an anonymous client. How cool to drive by one of these billboards! 1. Let's Meet At My House Sunday Before the Game - God 2. C'mon Over And Bring The Kids - God 3. What Part of "Thou Shalt Not..." Didn't You understand? - God 4. We Need To Talk - God 5. Keep Using My Name in Vain And I'll Make Rush Hour Longer - God 6. Loved the Wedding, Invite Me To The Marriage - God 7. That "Love Thy Neighbor" Thing, I Meant It. - God 8. I Love You. .. I Love You. .. I Love You. .. - God 9. Will The Road You're On Get You To My Place? - God10. Follow Me. - God11. Big Bang Theory, You've Got To Be Kidding. - God12. My Way Is The Highway. - God13. Need Directions? - God14. You Think It's Hot Here? - God15. Tell The Kids I Love Them. - God16. Need a Marriage Counselor? I'm Available. - God17. Have You Read My #1 Best Seller? There Will Be A Test. – God*