My dad bought a flat screen LCD a while ago. I was shocked when I saw it. He'd been persuading my mom to buy one, but my mom keeps on procrastinating by saying "next year nalang.." . I'm on her side, actually. That purchase didn't strike me to be anyhow important to us. It's just a waste of money. A luxury. Extravagance.

As if we could stop my dad from that.

I don't know what made me feel like this. My dad rarely buys something for himself. It's been ages since he last bought a shirt, and he bought his phone when I was still 3rd year high school. It is just fair for him to be allowed to buy something that he likes. But then, I wonder why I am not happy about it. Maybe I am not comfortable to see it in our living room, because it looks so grand and so off. It's expensive. It pains me to see it. You may wonder why...

I'm never a grand spender. I'm never the type of person who dreams of being filthy rich one day. As far as I could remember, I never said to myself the words "Paglaki ko, gusto kong maging kasing yaman nila.." Whenever I dream of myself as a rich and successful person, I see myself giving away my riches to the my needy loved ones and to the church. Maybe you'd tell that I'm a hypocrite, but I am just being honest with how I define "success" and "riches". I am happy with my life now. We are well-off and happy. I am contented with what the blessings that God gives to my family. Maybe that's the reason why I feel uncomfortable with these expensive things. I'd rather live simply.

But then, I am thankful. Honestly, I am much more thankful that God gave me a contented heart than the fact that our family is again being blessed. However, both ways, I am thankful. Very very much thankful. Not all people has this contented and happy heart of mine. It's a blessing from God.

One day, when it's the right time for me to move out and start a life of my own, I'd search for my own success and build my own riches. That time, my parents won't bother how I spend my money or to whom I give it to. As for me, I'd give my riches to help the church and to help my relatives. I have never known a better recipient than them. They've taught me everything I have to learn about having a humble life guided by Christ. Seeing them makes me feel happy and grateful with the life that I have. Not because they are struggling with life, but because they live with what they have happily as a rich person does. Why? Because they have Jesus in their hearts.

They've been Christ's instrument to help me.

One day, it's going to be my turn.