iServe

[19:06 Ayala Station MRT]

 I was faced with the hardest decision I have to make for the day.

To start off, I need to tell you that I timed-out of work with a terrible tummy ache. I probably over ate (as I normally do) during my break. I maybe even took bad food during lunch and it didn't fit well inside my stomach. But whatever caused it, it was killing me. It took me a lot of effort just to keep standing straight. 

I was also sleepy. I just slept my whole bus ride from the airport to the MRT station at Taft (and nearly missed my bus stop) and my body was aching for more. But before I stepped inside the MRT I expected the worst, until I saw my destiny.

My destiny was a tiny gap between an employee and a student, a flash of blue, shinny and clean so beautiful it made me cry--an empty seat. Some MRT goers could relate to me, the rare occasion of finding an empty seat during the rush hour. It was a miracle.

I rushed to that seat before anyone does. And as I planted my aching behind in that cozy little seat, the warning sound of the closing doors rang. I then saw acrobats flew towards the closing doors and perfectly landing inside the train with just a millisecond spared them from a terrible accident. I restrained myself from giving them a standing ovation. They really amaze me. How can they do that? The speed, the agility, the accuracy, wow! I tried doing it once and I only got my face flat in the closed MRT door (and like a xerox machine, my face was copied by my facial oil still clinging in the glass doors). The guard scolded me and I was red all over as a thunder of laughter ensued inside the MRT train. The thought made me laugh. 

The MRT moved, I closed my eyes and I was catching my sleep when after few minutes, the train slows down the next station---Magallanes. Like raging water, people rushed in the MRT car and as soon as the door closed, everything felt familiar. It was the sardines-like feeling where in you're pressed down to each other and even the smell, it smelled like a newly opened sardine can. These are the times I wish I had a car and as I looked down the crowded EDSA, I took my wish back. It was as if I felt the drivers that were trapped in EDSA looked at the MRT saying "Sana nag MRT nalang ako di sana hindi ako natrapik dito." I smiled and praised God. The MRT went and a few minutes later, it was slowing down again. 

The Ayala station came to view and some MRT goers know that this is the point where in you need to pray at least one “Hail Mary” and an “Our Father” for the souls of the people that will be crushed by the incoming stampede. It was like re-living the people power in EDSA as people braced themselves behind the opening MRT doors. And as soon as it opened, it was as if a tank run over them and I found myself not only praying for the people being crushed but for everyone's lives that no harm may fall unto us. As I pray, I looked for my cellphone, propped the headphones in my ears and played music and as I looked, two ladies found their way and stood in front of me. 

It was no-brainer. If a lady or an elderly is standing up inside a bus or in the MRT, I'll give them my seat; sick, sleepy or tired, I’d still give them my seat. I've given myself to that kind of service years ago and I can honestly say I'm loyal to that calling. What bothered me was that there's two of them and only one me. The nearest girl was a petite, cute looking employee with her curly hair falling down her shoulders. She's carrying a large paper bag (well it looked large in her hands) and a handbag. She tried reaching for the hand railings, stretching her arms but her fingers barely touched it. The other girl was a skinny barista, also carrying a paper bag and a back pack hanging loosely in her back and from the looks of it, she's suffering from dysmenorrhoea. She was pale and her face contracts as she put pressure in her belly. 

The church teaches us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. By that, I've always believed that God is living within each and every one of us. However sinful we are, however righteous, whatever color, whatever race, God is living in us. As I claim that belief, my eyesight cleared and my heart opened to every people that I meet. For when I look at them, I don't see a man or a woman, old or young, normal or deviant, I see God. I see Jesus. 

I've also given myself in service to God and that service is not just singing or worship in church; It's not just reading the good news, the scriptures; it's serving others that what makes Jesus proud. For as we serve others, we serve God. 

I made my decision. I stood up and tapped the petite employee saying "Upo po kayo." 

"Thank you!" she replied and I caught the relief in her face as she maneuvered herself towards my seat. And lo and behold, there is still enough space for one. So I gladly tapped the barista and presented her the seat. Perfect! 

Being fat sometimes blesses others. I had two people sit in my seat. I made two people happy that day. I made two parts of Jesus proud. 

Serving others is serving God.

"But the greatest among you shall be your servant." - Matthew 23:11

May God's love make you see Him in every situation,

Rex Van Carlo E. Mollo

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam