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2 Corinthians 9:7
King James Version
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,
so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.
It all started with the "covetousness" article.
Wherein I wondered if we Filipinos had stuff in that cargo ship.
You know, the one that hit the bridge.
I'd be surprised if we didn't.
So, that made me remember the "balikbayan" box.
Our famous creation.
Who is a cheerful giver?
The one who sends a balikbayan box.
Who is a cheerful receiver?
The one who receives a balikbayan box.
What is "balikbayan"?
"Balik" means "return".
"Bayan" means "town".
So, "balikbayan" means "someone who returns to his town".
Now, if you can't return to your town, you can always send a box.
Our now infamous "balikbayan" box.
That LARGE, square box.
What do you put in the box?
Goodies.
Gadgets.
Gifts.
You are not Filipino, if you're an overseas worker, and you haven't sent one to your folks back home.
You are not Filipino, if you do not delight in receiving one.
All of us who have sent one, or two, or three, imagine the delight in our loved ones' faces.
All who have received one, or two, or three, literally jump, and squeal in delight.
We Filipinos are a simple people.
Those of us who are not spoiled, are grateful for everything.
If we receive a balikbayan box, who's to say we won't jump in glee?
And, of course, the GREATEST fun is in the sharing.
Something, for every one.
We realize the hard work, and efforts, of our loved ones abroad.
We know they skimp on their food, and essentials.
Just so they can send us that glorious balikbayan box.
That awesome box which patiently rides those cargo ships.
Which we eventually receive, a month, or two, after it's been sent.
And sometimes, not at all.
It's not unheard of they get lost at sea.
Or get lost in someone else's home, after it's pilfered.
Or the box gets opened, to see if there's contraband.
Or opened by "inspectors", keeping a few things for themselves.
Gone are the days you can just about send anything you want.
Food stuff, clothes, toiletries, tiny appliances, gadgets, and such.
I once packed a wine bottle in each boot.
We have to get creative, you see.
We have to max the box.
Meaning, we cram everything we can cram in there.
With the idea if they toss that box aboard, nothing gets displaced.
And nothing really does.
But we have to make sure all sides, corners, top, and bottom, are sealed with wide packing tape.
I even had to sit on one such box, so that the top won't open, as my relatives sealed it.
Oh, the things we go through for our loved ones!
Just knowing we thought of their every need, makes us smile.
Even if they wonder why we pack soap, shampoo, and detergent beside the chocolates.
You can imagine how the chocolates taste, after a month at sea.
But, do we receivers complain?
Nope.
We're mighty grateful.
We Filipinos are usually a happy lot.
GOD made us naturally cheerful, and creative.
Like I said, if we have not been spoiled.
Do you have such balikbayan boxes in your country?
It's really fun to receive one.
Go, fill one.
Go, send one.
Go, wait for one.
Just don't mix soap, and chocolates.
And you'll see what I mean.
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