When I was a kid, my mom trained me to recite a poem, sing a song or act on cue in front of grown ups so I was never really the shy type. I had lead roles in play productions in school and church, joined the summer soccer league, headed a few children's camp, competed in dragon boat rowing and represented the Philippines to a Children's Convention in Japan when I was 11. In short, I was exposed to people all the time. I even landed a work in a people oriented environment: the call center. I talk to a hundred people a day from all walks of life, race and character. I was tasked to develop people, lead people, talk to people, give them hope, encourage them, correct them and mold them. And now as a school administrator, I basically have the same role.
So it's no surprise to say that I love being around people. I have a dozen different group of friends, several best friends and other people in my life who I call and hang out with for specific "trips". In fact there's my movie dude, food trip chum, surfing buddy, jogmate, go-to-guy, Friendship, BFF, Pardz and my list goes on (yes, I love giving my friends pet names).
And today I understood why… God wants to use me.
…to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up... (Ephesians 4:13)
I am what I am, who I am and where I am because God planned it that way. There are no accidents. God orchestrated the events in my life in such a way that He will be glorified in the end. The people around me knew who I was before I met Christ, and they will now see how God is moving in my life. I want to be a living testimony of God's grace and love. God will use me so others will know Him.
"Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)
Bring it on, Lord. Bring it on! Ü