OVERWHELMED

(originally written on December 3, 2010)

“Cherry Marcelo is on her knees while on her toes, needing extra dose of God’s grace and favor for tomorrow.”

That was my wall post at around 7:00 last night. It was a prayer from a heart that journeyed from “anxious” to “trusting” and now “swelling with joy” as God spectacularly answered this prayer in an overwhelming / mind-blowing kind of way.

Let me try to explain this a bit more without becoming too excited (I hope) so I can clearly put my thoughts in writing. I’m sleepy but I couldn’t just let this day pass without recording how God has been so gracious, kind, and good to me! I bet this one’s going to be lengthy!

Last night – “The Insomnia Girl”

I had difficulty putting myself to sleep. I must confess that I was anxious about the paper presentation I had to do (before a large crowd of doctors, social workers, child protection experts, PHDs, professors, NGO workers, etc.) the following day and I didn’t feel prepared nor fully qualified for the task. I kept reminding myself that God would definitely come through for me, as He always did. His grace and love never fail to make me brave. So at 2am, I dozed off.

5:30 AM – “Early Morning Warning”

I woke up having mixed emotions. I was already excited about the conference and what I would share! But before I even started to focus myself on having quality time with God, sudden thoughts about my plan to apply for a graduate program at the UP Psychology Department made me feel anxious. Since I couldn’t brush it aside, I just made a mental note to call UP to inquire about the requirements and deadline for application.

9:00 to 10:00 AM – “Immanuel – God with us!”

We had an insightful and very inspiring team devotion at the office. It was about the birth of Jesus and its personal message to us. My favorite part was when we shared about how Jesus being “Immanuel” is real in our life and work. I was reminded how God has been my Protector, my Rescuer and the sweet ways He communicates with me and makes me feel His presence.

10:10 to 10:30 AM – “Miracle Needed”

I called up UP and found out that the deadline for application would be on December 6 (that’s the coming Monday and it’s Friday already). I was even told that it would already be impossible for me to complete the requirements in time for the deadline (which would also be the day of my travel to Isabela for relief operation). I told the guy on the phone that I would still try.  So I panicked and rushed to UP. I asked for prayers from my teammates. I needed a miracle. I asked God for favor and forgiveness because I kept putting this plan off, thinking the deadline was still far. I just sensed God’s assuring presence telling me that if this is really part of His plan for me, He would still make it happen despite my procrastination.

10:30 to 11:00 AM – “Against All Odds”

I got the application form and paid the corresponding fee. The staff from UP Psychology department asked me if I was really sure I could complete all the requirements by Monday. I said YES and that I would see her at 8AM sharp on Monday with all the requirements (I appeared certain but I was saying a prayer while making a plan on my mind on how to make this happen). I already had my Transcript of Records but I would still need endorsements from two of my former professors and from my employer (which according to the staff usually takes long). Getting one from my employer would not be a problem, I’m sure. My boss has been very supportive of my plan to study.

11:00 to 11:30 AM – “Feels Like Home!”

While walking, an idea came to my mind! I would drop by CSWCD (my college, which is also in UP) hoping I could see two of my former professors there and request for their endorsement even without prior appointment with them. The thought made me feel sick. You see, I haven’t seen nor communicated with most of them since I graduated. Plus, I only had 25 minutes for this because I needed to go back to the office, get my stuff and immediately proceed to SMX for the conference and my presentation slot at 2:45pm. Lord, favor again, please. When I got there, I was warmly welcomed by the staff and my big sisters and big brothers (the librarian, the canteen manager, the janitor, the admin staff). They remembered me – I was sooo touched. And I got to meet two of my former professors who readily gave their recommendations with extra kind words! They were delighted to know I’m finally pursuing further studies. And so I got to complete the requirements in less than an hour! WOW, that was a kiss from heaven!

1:30 to 5:00 PM – “God is Good!”

At SMX. I was number four presenter. A pediatrician, a child protection super-expert, and a child psychologist with PHD did their presentation before me. Of course, to say that I was intimidated would be an understatement. Was that panic attack I was having there? But I heard a sweet voice whisper to my heart, “I’m right here with you, my daughter.” Okay, I’m ready to present! And the presentation went well, praise God! It has generated interest among a number of the participants (doctors, professors, guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists) who want to learn more and are now interested to partner with our organization. That’s extra dose of grace, I must say. Amazing! And my favorite part: the speaker who presented after me was a child psychologist and writer. She writes children’s books that are therapeutic and use these in her actual sessions with children who lost a loved one. And that is EXACTLY what I want to become (perhaps in four years time, aside from having my own established business) and the reason why I was applying for a graduate program in psychology. I want to write therapeutic story books for hurting children. I was teary-eyed listening to her. God was showing me what He could still do with my life!

6:00 to 8:00 PM – “Far More than What I Asked or Imagined”

I joined the fellowship dinner – great food! And then, the beautiful  fireworks display! With every spark of color, I could hear God say He loves me so much. I thanked Him for how this day has been such a wonderful blessing to me and told Him how I am always amazed at His grace, His faithfulness and how He keeps pursuing my heart! I couldn’t thank and praise Him enough! Little did I know, God still had another surprise in store for me. Immediately after the fireworks display, there was a raffle. And yes, you guessed it right, I won!!! My first time to experience winning a major prize in a raffle. I got a new Nokia 2700 but I felt like I received an iPhone 4G! :)

I thought I already had more than enough but God had even more in mind for me! OVERFLOW! I really experienced extra dose of His grace and favor today!

I asked. I received. I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude!

LORD, there’s none that compares to Your awesomeness! :)

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." - Psalm 126:3