My Teacher, My Friend

I was very touched and inspired by an email I received this morning from my high school English Literature teacher...a person who instantly became my close personal friend from the very first day of class. Her message read like a poem and so I share it here with you in the form of one.

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A State of Happiness
By Ilona Gervasio de Jesus

Yes ......, I am very happy.
I like who and what I have become
and feel very at ease with myself.

You are right.
What really matters is our inner self - CORE.
Happiness is not people, places nor things.
It is a state of mind.

Whoever or whatever surrounds me
can only bring me happiness
if I apply my happiness to them.

Nowadays, I focus more on making an encounter
more pleasant for the other person,
especially when I see a sadness in them.
I figured, what does it really take for me to give to another
that moment in time when I have all the rest of the day.

I look back and I know
that whatever I have been through,
the joys, the sadness, the trials;
these have chiseled my character.

I welcome whatever, grinding, chipping,
polishing and buffing that will come
because I know in my heart that it will transform me
to the diamond I hope to be.

I have been blessed
I HAVE SO MUCH TO BE HAPPY ABOUT.
GOD IS GOOD.

~~~~~

The Way

Jesus is the Way,
the Way to your inner peace.
Jesus is the Light,
the Light for your darkness.
Jesus is the Truth,
the Truth that your mind seeks;
the Truth that your soul possesses.

There are many other ways available to you.
He is the true Way in my belief.
I make no apologies for expressing this.
In this you cannot sway me,
as you sort through your own leanings.

He is the Way that I have accepted.
He is the Light that I have chosen.
He is the Truth that found me.

I make this statement here,
I make this statement now.
All saints have discovered Him,
with no one ever turning back;
and always with supreme devotion,
in the living application of their belief.

Be inspired to believe,
through the example of their lives;
the example of their love.

~~~~~