Let me share with you a little synopsis of my Sunday (October 30, 2011).
Iloilo City, Philippines:
7:53 AM - Put on my 5-inch high pair of grey wedges.
7:55 AM - Left my apartment and went down 3 floors.
8:05 AM - Arrived at the VCF Iloilo center. Primped a little bit.
8:15-8:45 AM - Practiced with the AM team
9:00-9:30 AM - Led 9AM service praise and worship with AM team
11:00-11:30 AM - Led 11AM service praise and worship with AM team
12:00 PM - Trudged off to SM City to get some stuff
12:15 PM - Headed to Iloilo port, stood in line for tickets and to board the ferry
Bacolod City, Philippines:
2:00 PM - Docked in Bacolod, took a cab to Robinsons Bacolod
2:15 PM - Went up the escalators to the VCF Bacolod center at the 3rd floor.
2:20 PM - Went down to Bob's Pastry shop on a random whim with Darlene
3:00 PM - Went back up to the 3rd floor via escalator/stairs
4:00-4:30 PM - As part of the congregation, stood up for more praise and worship and communion.
5:30-7:00 PM - Went on random trips around Robinson's Bacolod
7:00-9:45 PM - Pizza Hut and Starbucks with Ivan, Herbert, and Yssa
9:40-9:55 PM - Walked all the way from Starbucks to McDonald's Lacson (12 blocks) with Bort and Ivan (Even though it was fun, this part was terrible.)
9:55-10:15 PM - Hung out for a little bit at McDonald's with the entire gang
10:15 PM - Headed home with Tzu, Japs, and Paolo
10:30 PM - Arrived at home and shook off my 5-inch high grey wedges.
 |
| This wasn't yesterday, but these are the exact shoes. Haha |
So yes, basically it was a day I spent enjoying friends and time in the house of God in two different provinces in the Philippines, wearing one of my highest heels for more than 14 hours.
Now how is this of significance to perseverance and the best?
Well, when I donned the shoes on, I knew opting for them wasn't going to be a just a matter of fashion and taste. I knew I was going to be on my feet for long periods of time in the morning. I knew I was going to cross the sea at noon. I knew I was going to have more time on my feet and be roaming around Bacolod city in the afternoon.
I put them on anyway.
To some parts of the female species (such as myself), a shoe is more than just a piece of contraption to cover, cushion, and protect the feet. It is a statement, as it speaks for a multitude of things about myself and what I am trying to convey. For this Sunday, I wanted to look my best, that kind where I'm like "no matter what it takes." If I would want to look pleasing on any other day, how much more as I serve the living God?
Even though I barely grazed through today without majorly hurting myself, there weren't bits of today where my ankles screamed in pain. (I haven't exactly worn heels very much this semestral break.)
One notable portion of today's excursions was when Ivan and Herbert convinced me to walk from Starbucks to McDonald's which was 12 blocks away. To normally clad feet, that feat would have been nothing. Now I didn't want my choice in footwear to dampen their hopes and dreams of walking those blasted 12 blocks, so I eventually relented (with the condition that Ivan carry my bag for me. Ha.).
When we hit the PNB building (couple blocks away from McDonalds), the gams and feet already felt like dying. The lingering temptation to make the fellas halt and let me take a breather was throbbing against my plantar region. Then I reminded myself that sporting these heels were my own choosing and I actually agreed to walk all the way to McDonald's. So I lunged on forward, assuring Ivan that I was still alive when he asked if my feet were still okay.
I would have easily chosen to wear simple flats today, or I could have put a more comfortable pair of shoes in my backpack. That would have meant a mediocre outfit or an extra burden to carry, respectively. Opting for the best isn't necessarily choosing the easiest nor the most comfortable; it hardly ever is. It is usually going to be very difficult, but as you continue on, you eventually gain the ability to carry it 'till the end, and you find more fulfillment in the fact that you actually did it.
I could've chosen to take an easier way of getting to McDonald's. But that would've meant that I missed out on doing something fun like that.
I could've chosen to take an easier way of getting to McDonald's. But that would've meant that I missed out on doing something fun like that.
Choosing the best isn't easy. Make sure you don't quit. It will be worth it.
