Thank You, Little Star of Bethlehem

At midnight last night, it was like there was a whole bunch of people in the house. The subdued commotion (there is such a thing, I swear) did not seem like there were only five adults -- three of them senior citizens -- and one four-legged four-year old who communicates mostly with his eyes and paws.

Following family tradition, shrieks and laughter signaled discovery of what was inside the well-kept secret package one got from another family member. Something serious, something crazy but nevertheless truly meaningful.

My choices for this year were well-liked. I think I managed to really surprise them.

My whole caboodle of gifts this year was great too. Not that those of previous years' were not. It’s just that overall they showed me in no uncertain terms how my family will get me something they know is really good for me, or will truly delight me no matter how these defy convention or stereotype. Take note.

Ellen and Bibit gave me a long black and white checkered blouse, perfect for wearing over leggings. It is slightly tapered, a departure from the tent-like tops which became a staple in my wardrobe when humps and bumps began appearing on my landscape.

From “Someone From Out There” a.k.a. our pleasantly rambunctious Robbie who went to heaven at age 29, I received a lime and beige towel set with delicate foliage prints.

Diego, our baby, gave me a Japanese collectible named Tama or “Jewel”. A Kimmidoll, Tama has silver hair and wears typical straight bangs; white and silver butterflies adorn her light aqua kimono. She advises, “Treasure your uniqueness – let the world see the rare and beautiful jewel you are.”

Dodo gave me “Ones,” a DVD of Michael Jackson music videos and a 2-CD set of “This Is It” with a commemorative book. I recall having picked up the DVD at HMV HK several times but for some reason never really got to buy it. I was happy to finally get it, for free at that. It entertained me as I organized the wrapping papers and ribbons and boxes before I went to bed. Meanwhile, the CD is playing as I write this post.

Jenny handed me what looked like a shoe-box. True enough it was a pair of dark brown Hush Puppies walking shoes with bronze siding. Exactly what I really like and need --light, comfortable, my exact style, and just in time as my favorite pair of Footgloves has been begging, nay threatening, to retire.

Then she handed me another box, a tiny one this time. And so I thought, “Oh, she’s giving me a ring?!” I shrieked at what I initially thought was a brooch of a small fedora just like MJ"s. I thought to myself, Jenny did it again. It was a really good replica from what I’ve seen in photos.

Soon everyone was laughing. I realized then that they knew all along what Jenny was up to. Nevertheless I was still clueless as to what was really happening. Quietly, I was also trying to guess where she got the fedora.

As I was scrutinizing it, I sensed Bibit handing Jenny a big plastic bag from somewhere which she then quickly handed to me. Inside it was a big black box that contained an MJ action figure in his familiar Billie Jean pose, complete with glittery jacket and black pants with sidebands. Then it hit me that the fedora came with the action figure.

From July till about August, I enjoyed surfing and searching and reading and looking up anything and everything MJ, merchandise like action figures on ebay included. This particular 11" action figure actually caught my fancy but for some reason, I opted to order a couple of books from Amazon.

My delight at first seeing it last night showed that I had kept a liking for it. And God knew even if I didn't.

Little did I know too that I was to have one through Jenny, in mint condition and with a hologram and certificate of authenticity.

More significantly for me, the gift allayed my initial fears over possibly misplaced fascination for as controversial a person as MJ. After all, his life was a tapestry of the best, the pure, and the deep, interwoven with the worst, the bizarre, and what to many, shallow.

It’s as if God is saying that it is all right – “He was good, faithful and childlike. He sought My will in all he did. There is much you can learn from his life." Which led to me to list down what lessons I could derive from what I had so far found out:

 Stick to what you know is My mission for you, no matter what.

 Stand up for what you know is true and good even if all the rest think otherwise.

 Dig as deeply as you can from what I have provided you -- your treasures in Me are limitless.

 Give of what you have and of what you no longer have because I supply ALL things.

 Walk one mile, an extra mile, and yet another mile. Not just for the distance but remembering always that I have set a direction -- the best one -- especially for you. And that even if I had prepared all things for your journey, I always come along.

 Keep the faith, but don't let go of My hand because it is only by Me that your life can bear fruit.

 Keep the child in you -- let it shine and let its light brighten up the lives of others.

 Work hard with all that I give you but maintain balance so that you keep the things that matter in their rightful central place.

 Be a good steward of the resources I allow into your life. My gifts are not for hoarding but for you and others to use and enjoy in the right way and at the right time.

 Love all creatures big and small -- in the forest, in the waters, in the sky, under the sand... They are wherever I have placed them for a purpose.

 Reach out to others in good faith. Kindness, not rancor, is what really builds, maintains and enhances relationships.

 Learn to accept others who think, believe, and behave differently from you, including those you know do not like you. Judging is My Father's turf, not yours.

 Learn not to worry, smile more often, and laugh even more. I watch over You even as I or you sleep. I have you covered at all times.

 Do not rush through things. Instead spare a moment to ponder because each moment you spend waiting equips you in confronting a decision point. Will you stay in the race? Back out? Or whatever?

After putting my reflections on today's early hours into words, what else can I say? Just this:

Thank You, God, for everyone and everything. You are one Birthday Celebrant who unfailingly gives more to those who celebrate You. And often we fail to see that our real and greatest treasure is the Giver of all gifts. We get lost in the tinsel and ribbons and things. Tonight, I realize that all because of that Little Star long ago in Bethlehem, my twilight years are amazingly one new dawn after another, each ushering in another day of childlike wonder and bliss. And not just a tiring cycle of hair color and BenGay and rocking chairs and Centrum Silver. (Excuse me, Lord, it’s time to practice my moonwalk.)