Not barred by the bar exam
(Previously titled, "How 'not' to pass the bar exam...and still be happy")
About this time five years ago, I was reviewing for my first bar exam in UP Law Center. I was living with four of my classmates in a beautiful house in Tandang Sora - an ideal house for any bar reviewee. It was silent and cozy and was owned by one of these classmates whose family is among the richest in our province. And since we only had four weeks left before the bar exam, we did everything we could do to read all the materials we had: numerous books, voluminous handouts from UP and from other review centers. Of course, reading all these materials in such a limited time is next to impossible. But we had that determination.
One of my classmates and I frequented the Holy Mass at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in a neighboring subdivision to pray for wisdom and guidance. Indeed, those times spent in church consoled me. My father died two months ago and I am very thankful that I was given the strength to continue with the review. Seven months after, however, I learned that I did not pass the exam. But I did not lose hope knowing that there is still a second chance, a third chance, and so on.
The next year, I opted to have self-review but I felt more pressure because I already had a plan of marrying the girld I love (which actually took place in January 4, 2003). I also knew that my mother had been praying a lot (she really would like to see her two sons succeed in their chosen fields). But again, I failed. Then I took my third (and I think my last exam) last year with even more pressure knowing that I am at the brink of unemployment. But again, I failed.
It is really hard to understand many things in life. Had I not gathered enough strength from the Daily Mass Readings and from the Weekly Bible Lessons found in the Christian Science Quarterly, I should have gone mad. Indeed, there are many many things in life that are hard to understand. As I reflect on these events, several statements come to mind:
a.) That there are things that will never be given to us no matter how hard we try or how hard we ask for it in prayer. But it's not because God is not listening to our prayers but because he knows what is best for us. And when we he knows that what we're asking for will not do us any good, he will give something else (something better) in return. And, yes, he will deal wonderfully with my mother too!
b.) That God has given us a future and we should get excited about it. I heard this statement in 702 DZAS back when I was in high school. Indeed, why should we worry when God (who is not bound by time) is already in the future. I know he will supply all our needs and is preparing something grand. This is something we should be excited about - we should not be bound by past mistakes or failures.
c.) That we need to be thankful in whatever circumstance. This is captured by Job's statement in Job 1:21, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed (praised and magnified in worship) be the name of the Lord!"
Now, in the company of my loving wife and my cute three year-old son (who is now going to a day care center in our barangay), I know there is something more to life than passing the bar exam. Something beautiful is about to unfold.
Well, that's all for now. I hope you'll visit again soon. Have a nice day.
About this time five years ago, I was reviewing for my first bar exam in UP Law Center. I was living with four of my classmates in a beautiful house in Tandang Sora - an ideal house for any bar reviewee. It was silent and cozy and was owned by one of these classmates whose family is among the richest in our province. And since we only had four weeks left before the bar exam, we did everything we could do to read all the materials we had: numerous books, voluminous handouts from UP and from other review centers. Of course, reading all these materials in such a limited time is next to impossible. But we had that determination.
One of my classmates and I frequented the Holy Mass at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in a neighboring subdivision to pray for wisdom and guidance. Indeed, those times spent in church consoled me. My father died two months ago and I am very thankful that I was given the strength to continue with the review. Seven months after, however, I learned that I did not pass the exam. But I did not lose hope knowing that there is still a second chance, a third chance, and so on.
The next year, I opted to have self-review but I felt more pressure because I already had a plan of marrying the girld I love (which actually took place in January 4, 2003). I also knew that my mother had been praying a lot (she really would like to see her two sons succeed in their chosen fields). But again, I failed. Then I took my third (and I think my last exam) last year with even more pressure knowing that I am at the brink of unemployment. But again, I failed.
It is really hard to understand many things in life. Had I not gathered enough strength from the Daily Mass Readings and from the Weekly Bible Lessons found in the Christian Science Quarterly, I should have gone mad. Indeed, there are many many things in life that are hard to understand. As I reflect on these events, several statements come to mind:
a.) That there are things that will never be given to us no matter how hard we try or how hard we ask for it in prayer. But it's not because God is not listening to our prayers but because he knows what is best for us. And when we he knows that what we're asking for will not do us any good, he will give something else (something better) in return. And, yes, he will deal wonderfully with my mother too!
b.) That God has given us a future and we should get excited about it. I heard this statement in 702 DZAS back when I was in high school. Indeed, why should we worry when God (who is not bound by time) is already in the future. I know he will supply all our needs and is preparing something grand. This is something we should be excited about - we should not be bound by past mistakes or failures.
c.) That we need to be thankful in whatever circumstance. This is captured by Job's statement in Job 1:21, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed (praised and magnified in worship) be the name of the Lord!"
Now, in the company of my loving wife and my cute three year-old son (who is now going to a day care center in our barangay), I know there is something more to life than passing the bar exam. Something beautiful is about to unfold.
Well, that's all for now. I hope you'll visit again soon. Have a nice day.
posted by jundags @ 6:22 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Dear Jundags,
thanks so much for linking to my blog! and I love what you're saying in this blog entry. you're right, God has something even better in store for you, for He loves you and your wife and your baby so very very much. I hope we stay in touch.
warmly
Laura
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