'Fugitive' caught under the table

WHEN I was still a preschooler I hated eating vegetables. So one day at home, when mom served me pinakbet, I was so disgusted.

With a spoiled brat attitude, I told mom, “Ayoko niyan!”

She replied, “Paano ka kakain niyan, wala tayong ibang ulam?”

I answered back and dared her, “Eh di, hindi ako kakain!”

Mom left to do some chore, while I resumed playing. But I couldn’t enjoy what I was doing. I was worried that mom got angry at me, and scared that after daring her, I might die of hunger.

So I sneaked into the kitchen, grabbed a tray of pandesal and ate it under the table.

But before I could it all of the bread, mom came back looking for it.

I remained hiding under the table. I didn’t want her to find me. I didn’t have the guts to face her. I knew I shouldn’t have raised my voice on her. I shouldn’t have dared her. And I was so ashamed of what I have done. I did not know how to face her.

But mom found me and noticed how sorry I was. Instead of a spank, she gently pulled me out from under the table, seated me on a chair and served me the pinakbet that I initially snubbed. I was so relieved knowing that she is no longer angry. I still did not like veggies, but I ate it anyway. I could stand the bitterness of the veggies, but I couldn’t stand having a rift with my mom.

Children and adult alike commit mistakes. And we feel bad after realizing our misdeeds. Guilt rushes in amid self-denial. We often find it difficult to face the people we offended. Our conscience constantly reminds us of our misdeeds and we lost peace of mind.

Unless we admit and regret our misdeeds, apologize, and change our ways, we will remain in hiding—like fugitives of the law. Just as Adam and Eve hid from God for their disobedience, I hid under the table from my mom—ashamed of what I did.

Through sincere repentance, we restore the relationships that we destroyed because of sin. Like the prodigal son who returned to his father, we should also return to our heavenly Father. Through Jesus Christ, we restore our broken relationship with Him, and reclaim our privileges as His children.

Repentance allows us to break the cycle of sin that imprison us. It paves way for a change in attitude and eventually leads to a new, refreshed life.