Unexpected Blessings: Discovering God's Love Beyond Our Wants

I just want to share a personal realization that slowly changed the way I see life.

Growing up, I was the type of person who always complained. Konting mali, reklamo agad. Even after getting married, I still had that habit—although it slightly toned down. But I didn’t realize how toxic I was becoming, not just to myself but to the people around me.

Whenever things didn’t go my way, I’d be moody the whole day. I’d silently blame people in my head, and sometimes, pati si God sinisisi ko. I also had the habit of comparing my life with others. I’d ask, “Why are they so rich? Why do they have everything, even if they treat people badly?” Meanwhile, I try to live a decent life but feel like I’m stuck or cursed with bad luck.

It reached a point where even my friends noticed. One of them told me,
“Why don’t you talk to God? Surrender everything to Him. Don’t focus too much on the money side of blessings. Learn to see the other forms of blessings too.”

At first, I got annoyed. I felt misunderstood. But later on, I started watching homilies on YouTube. One video turned into a habit, and eventually, I began to realize…

I’ve been blessed all along.

I just couldn’t see it because I was too focused on what other people had. I was blinded by their abundance that I missed my own.

Let me give you a few examples:

I have a loving and supportive spouse who helps me with the business and takes care of the kids.

I have children who are healthy, cheerful, and fill our home with joy.

I have real friends—people who listen, give good advice, and don’t lead me astray.

I have good health. I don’t suffer from any serious illnesses.

And even when it feels like I won’t make it financially, God always makes a way—my bills still get paid, and problems get solved in ways I don’t expect.

Another thing I used to struggle with was generosity. I used to be extremely frugal—almost to the point of being selfish. When I gave money to beggars, I’d do it with a heavy heart. I’d feel irritated and judgmental. I didn’t realize how closed off I had become.

Then I watched a video by Francis Kong, where he said:
“If your hand is always closed—if you’re too afraid to give—how can you receive more blessings? But if your palm is open, willing to share, it also becomes open to receive.”

That hit me hard.

From that moment, I changed. I started giving from the heart. I stopped worrying about whether someone was “scamming” me. My focus shifted: what matters is I shared something with someone in need. If they lied, that’s on them. But I did my part. I allowed myself to be used by God to bless someone.

Reflection:
Now, I try to look at life with more awareness and gratitude. I don’t ask “Why them?” anymore. Instead, I say, “Thank You, Lord,” even for the little things. God may not always give us what we want, but He always gives us what we need—and more than that, what’s best for us.

How about you?

Have you noticed your blessings lately?