REFLECTION |
Capping Ceremory, July 1999
written by: Diane Limbaga
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it… this is our challenge. We shall make the choice.
Looking back, we should see the footprints we've made… each of it must strike our hearts… each of it should make us recall the path we went through to get us here. We must also recall those moments that made us stronger… those things… those persons. We must know that each of our experiences is unique. The same hands… the hands of fate. The hands of God may have molded us, but each individual was molded differently from one another.
Remember when we were freshmen… full of youth's vibrancy… and still enveloped by innocence. We had our dreams, we had our discoveries … and most of all, we had our doubts. Did we belong here? Did we really want this? Or were we simply pushed by insistence or other people's desires? Seems to me we should turn back no longer for we have reached this far. We have entered the gate of this momentous event. Now, we must all make the best, not just the most, but the BEST of what we can make up of our future. We are light. Though few, we shed our radiance extensively, just like a candle in a darkened room. But remember, let us all plant this in our hearts… that we can only consider ourselves to be the best, if we make ourselves reflectors of God's light. If we want to be the best candle, we have to let God light us up.
With the cap or cloth we received, more is now expected of us. We have to keep our flame of service, idealism and perseverance always ablaze, so we can truly be worthy reflectors of God's light. For three whole years, our skin bled from needle pricks; our heads ached from excess of stress; our eyes drooped from sleepless nights; and our blood even boiled when our patience was tried. But still, we are here, standing with dignity and pride, having been able to survive the pressures and challenges. There is more to come, and we should know that. All we have to do is believe in ourselves that we can do it. In fact, we've already done it… and we will do more. Trials would either fold us or make us, and it would all depend on our personal motivations. As we journey further, along the path we may trip, slip or fall… even wound ourselves. But this must not hinder us from moving on for we are light… and light is energy, and energy is unstoppable… energy can never be destroyed, especially if its source is the Almighty.
We would like to give thanks to those who have become the "wind beneath our wings", the "matches for our candles", the "charcoals of our flame."
First of all, we pour our thanks to our parents, for all the love, support and the courage. You are our light and this moment is specially dedicated to you. You have made us who we are, and once more for that, we give you our thanks and our love.
To the Administration and Staff, including our manongs and manangs, for continually providing us with gracious assistance and gestures of kindness and patience, we give you our gratitude.
To our teachers, especially our class adviser, for the motivations, knowledge and discipline you continually instill in our character. You have made a mark in our lives.
To the friends we've made, who, in one way or another served as our inspiration and models of strength, and for all those who have reminded us to tread our path unfalteringly, your deeds will be cherished.
To Sr. Nicole, for your time, effort and patience in helping us with our song practices…you made us realize we're not that hopeless in singing.
To our celebrant, Fr. Midiphyl Billiones, who took time to raise our prayers dreams and aspirations to the Almighty Father, thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.
Most importantly, to our Lord God, who makes all things possible, and who continually showers us with His unending love through the miracles He allows to happen everyday.
For all those who have graced this momentous occasion, we wholeheartedly give you our sincerest thanks and gratitude. Continue to help us through your prayers. Once again, thank you and good evening.
back to the main scribbles page
