It’s a depressing Tuesday. I have a thousand and one things to do, but here I am, sulking in a corner, not wanting to move.
Anyhow, I am trying now to veer away from this unpleasantness. It is my loss if I continualy allow myself to be a victim of this clammy state. Looking around my home office for reading materials that could deviate my mind from negative thoughts, I found an old file of PDN, our small publication. I coursed through the pages, hoping to find an article that I could relate with. And I found this one written by an old columnist/contributor - the late Roberto N. Ferrer, a professor, an environmentalist and a member of the Provincial Board of Pangasinan during his lifetime.
Shooting targets in life
LIFE is like shooting targets. We aim for a target. Sometimes we hit twelve or six or nine or three o’clock but not the bull’s eye as shooters do.
At a tender age we do commit mistakes. We hit and miss. It is a trial and error method. That is part of natural law.
It is alright for a boy to blunder in love, in his career or job. That is the luxury that youth can afford.
When we grow older, however, it is a different game altogether. They call it wisdom. Either you have it or not have it.
If others do not have it in adult life, it is precisely because they did not learn all these years while growing.
When the young tree of the hill grows, it learns from the elements, even the hardness of the soil and the prick of destruction by humans.
When the young dog is beaten black and blue, it learns the meaning of pain and relations.
There are targets in life and therefore we ought to have light houses that should guide us in the dark.
The time and place do not at all times cooperate in aiming at goals and objectives.
One must have a goal or mission in life - whether spiritual, social or economic. All thoughts and action ought to be fixated on that goal or target.
Deviations and alterations, unless necessary are intolerables.
It is no wonder when one is distracted from that goal, that he misses his target, then he tries again.
The trouble lies when there is no time left or when opportunity does not knock twice.
The lesson therefore is to aim well, find the right time and place, including company, have a mindset and with passion, hit the bull’s eye.
Take the lessons of the past - Edison, Galileo,Copernicus, Jesus.
Hitting the target is a human asset. Only God is perfect but man, using God-given powers and attributes, can hit the bull’s eye too and serve God’s glory.
Isn’t that wonderful? My mind is clearer now after reading this piece. Thank you, Kuya Bob. Surely, you are now enjoying your rewards from UP there.
No more tears now. I can trust and embrace life again. My target is waiting.
Hi Tita Rhodora
Maybe we should meet up ASAP para dance ako sa harap mo ng boom tarat tarat to make you happy hehe
I hope you’re doing good na.. Don’t want to see (or feel) na you’re lonely though i think i have a clue..
Btw, is Sir Bob connected with the university I’m in? i think i heard him in speak when i was in high school months before he passed away
Hi, Mica! Just tell me when, then I will check my sked to fit the meeting in.
Sige, nga, aliwin mo si Tita para sumaya.. hehehe.
Ummm.. Parang alam ko kung ano ang nasa isip mong reason kaya ako malungkot. But no - that is not the one. It’s something else. Sorry, better luck next time.
Yes, he used to teach at LNU. He was a brilliant professor and one of the best provincial legislators of his time. He died at his prime, only 55 or 56 y.o.
Hi Tita, I hope you are feeling better right now. I have the same symptoms too — as in I withdraw when I am in the pits and try to deviate my thoughts into reading.
That was a wonderful article and it made me think too.
Anyway, do feel better soon, ayt?
*hugs*
Yes, Kyels! I’m okay now.. I took a nap, and voila! Things seem to be clear again!
Thanks, Kyels!
Well, now I know I’m not the only one feeling like he’s in the dumpster lately. That columnist was right you know, there’s always a time for everything, even hitting your target. I sort of missed mine already, or maybe I’m just a poor marksman…
when you come to manila, we should meet with all our other friends. them we make aliw to each other, promise! me kasi, i have a way of “deleting the bad vibes from my mind”, i would rather delve on more positive things. ewan ko, but it has worked. when i feel down or something is bothering me, i sleep and sleep and sleep. and i find solace in HIM
rhodora, am glad you are feeling better now =)
everyone has moments like those, what’s important is that we realize it and that we don’t stay in that corner too long =)
Sngl! You may have missed your target, but you can try again! Hey, you’re still alive, my friend! Hope springs eternal, remember?
Dine, yes, thank you. I really should see you and the rest. Sleep! Hmmm.. Guess what - I did just that today, and yes, you are right! It works! I woke up refreshed and enlightened! Of course, with a lot of prayers naman…
Thanks, Sheilamarie.. I’m okay now. When I’m down, I stay in my comfort corner for a while but not too long. Life is too short to be wasted sulking!
Hope you too are doing okay now, as welll as Lucho!
remember this. diba sabi mo one of your faves ito.
Whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shame, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
my targets in life, hmmm, saan ba ang bulls eye. lol
ay finally, nakapag post na rin ako ng comment dito. na hit ko rin ang target. ha ha ha ha
As long as we’re alive, we should never give up. Life is too short to live in regret and depression.
Thanks for the message of this post. Hope you’re doing well!
Thanks, Rolly… Yup, that’s one of my faves. Na-bull’s eye mo! hehehe.
Kathy, we learn something new every day, di ba?
And yes, you’re right. That’s why when down, I sulk one moment then bounce back the next.
Cheers!