1.12.11

I texted Norrie this when he sent a message from the waiting lounge at the airport prior to his flight back to Yemen: “Sana sa susunod na bakasyon mo, maramdaman ko naman na espesyal ako sa iyo. Na hindi ako incidental lang.”

Several months ago, I think I voiced out to him that somehow, being with him was no longer as fun as it used to be. And truthfully, I couldn’t pinpoint a specific reason why I said what I said. I realize the reason why the sparks no longer bring to life fireworks when we are together: we are together because we can’t help being together, but it’s the kind of togetherness that borders on the common and the ordinary, and somehow, I feel that when things border on the ordinary, it is not too difficult to be taken for granted.

I am no royalty that needs and expects superfluous treatment nor do I desire to be heaped by praises. I am simply one friend expecting his friend to really be there especially for him. Not only out of courtesy, but out of love.


REFLECTIONS
Genesis 37-39

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

The World of Joseph
A man of outstanding qualities will always shine forth.
Being sure of what you know you are can be mistaken for arrogance.
And arrogant people are sacrificed.

Sidenote:
Do not make a special technicolor robe that showcases a loud sketch of favoritism.
It is very dangerous to the favorite!

Genesis 39:9 (Joseph on being tempted by Potiphar’s wife)
“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
When tempted, run!
When tempted, say no!
When tempted, think God!
Why is it that sometimes when tempted, all I can think of is the grace of God to forgive even if I know I am willingly going against what he likes me to do instead? Human nature. Human nature, being what it is, and I am no better than any average human. What a lousy excuse!

Onan’s withdrawal of his semen when he had sex with Tamar was seen as wicked in the sight of the Lord. Of course, this had a context at the time: the misappropriation of the “seed”. In Germany, onanieren means masturbation, a youthful pastime that excites, exhilarates, and then wastes the “seed” as well. Is that why masturbation is bad?