"Lessons from travel" - Seeds of Faith - November 6, 2023

[CPU Communications]

Dear friends, 

Greetings! 

Most of the faculty and staff of the CPU College of Business and Accountancy just recently concluded a 4-day tour and retreat in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

What lessons can we learn from traveling?

First, embrace the unknown with faith.

Just as we embark on journeys with some uncertainty, our spiritual journey is often filled with unknowns. Trusting in God and His plan, even when we do not fully understand, is a crucial lesson. Just as we navigate new destinations, we must navigate life with unwavering faith.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Second, learn from challenges.

Travel often presents challenges and obstacles which can lead to personal growth and resilience. Similarly, the difficulties we encounter in our spiritual journey can strengthen our faith and character, leading us to become more mature and complete in our relationship with God.

James 1:2-4 gives us the benefits of facing difficulties - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Third, discover the presence of God everywhere.

When you just "open" your eyes while traveling, then you can encounter the beauty of God's creation. In doing so, we recognize that God's presence is everywhere in our lives. Our journey is a continuous exploration of His presence and guidance, whether we are at home or in distant lands.

Psalm 139:7-10 gives us a vivid description of God's presence - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

As we navigate the paths of life, may we remember these lessons and draw closer to God with each step we take.

May God bless us all! 

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on 

Director, Office of Communications

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