Remembering Binil

It was about this time late at night I was awoken by a phone call from my brother.

I want to express what's going on in my head, but it seems the most important thoughts are the hardest to write. As I hit the one year anniversary of Binil's death, I've been thinking for hours of what to blog, tweet, or talk about with friends. But I am at a loss for words. I guess that's how I'm handling it this week. Last year at this time, I wanted to talk my mouth off. This year, I find myself remembering and reliving everything I thought and experienced when I first heard and for the days and weeks to follow.

I remember Binil today ... the impact he had in my life, before and after he left. I'm glad I had so much one-on-one time with him eating lunch after lunch after lunch, sharing our passions, our jokes ... hanging out at Marina Towers, chasing The Dark Knight filming locations, and just doing stuff together.

As the night goes on, I realize that Binil himself would not want the nostalgia to focus on him. He would want us to all remember Jesus. So I have shifted my focus to Him.

So tonight, I also remember Jesus. Thanks for taking the punishment for my sin, and giving me a new life ... I owe everything to you.

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions
never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3: 22-23

The cup of suffering

(Mt 26:39) And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. "

He says it again later in the same chapter. Then in John's version (Jn 18:11), he's basically saying "how can I not drink the cup my Father has given me?" ... His human side prayed three times for this piece of suffering to be removed. But clearly over time, he knew this suffering was for a reason, for God's greater purpose.

Do you have a situation or circumstance which you want God to remove or fix or change? Sure you can pray for it to get easier, but ultimately just pray for God's will. He will probably change your heart and attitude before he changes your circumstance ... just like he did for Jesus.