Favors and Blessings

By Virginia Jasmin Pasalo

SOME people think that to ask others favors is a humiliating act. The position to ask favors imply that we are inadequate to fulfill our own needs. Others, like me, however, never hesitated, because the universe is a generous sphere.

Matthew 7:7-8 states, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Most of what I asked for had been given, and even those I had not asked for came to me. As a result, I often give, based on my perception of what another person needs, if she does not ask. This way, I keep the wheel of fortune keep turning for the better.

There are things of course that I did not get, including things I really desired. There are things that I asked from some people which they could have given but chose not to, for their own reasons. I let it go, with a blessing, and never asked anything from them again.

There are a few who do not know how to receive favors and blessings. Some others also refuse them, thinking you would ask a favor in return. Some think that you are taking advantage of them, and they offer you logical excuses which are irrefutable, even when the reason is abjectly apparent.

The most significant people in my life were those for whom I have done favors from very long ago. I honestly forgot some of them, as fast as I have given the favors, only to be reminded of their existence when they suddenly appear after more than a decade, answering some of my fervent prayers. Gratitude takes time to gestate, depending on the capacity of the person to reflect and act on it.

Many times, I have also forgotten favors given to me, only to be reminded when something comes to mind, like I tripped on my foot again. A few years ago, on my way to board the airplane, I ran through the grass and tripped on a hole. A stranger quickly held my hand and freed my food stuck in between debris. I stammered “Thank you!” as we both rushed to catch our flight. I did not get his name. I should have, but I sat immediately, rubbing my aching foot. His blue eyes smile at me vividly, today, and I mumble a little prayer.

The verses in Matthew do not mean that all that is required is to ask. It means that you have to put some effort to what you are asking for. Work for it. Make your work your prayer.

Tall Grass

blue eyes searching

the green grass

freeing a foot

stuck in timber

I remember,

a decade ago,

in December.

a prayer, today,

this November.

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