Because of strong waves that day, we had to walk from one end of the Capones Island to the other in order to get to the lighthouse, which was the main attraction of this small island in Zambales. It was an unexpected trek and one in which i was not prepared for physically. It was midday and we had to walk one hour almost non-stop without drinking water and little shade. I was so dehydrated, could no longer breathe normally and felt the weakness of my knees especially while we were walking the stony shores. I wanted to give up many times but the beauty of the island urged me to go on. Our 12-year old tour guide kept looking back at me with a *smirk* in his face as if to say, "ang bagal-bagal mo naman ate, e." With JP guiding me especially when we had to climb rocky paths and inclined hillsides, we were able to reach our destination, with me still in one piece.
By then however, thirst was almost killing me. Just to give you an idea of how thirsty I was, I saw bottles of mineral water at the lighthouse thrown away by tourists who went there ahead of us and looked hard and thought that if those bottles of water were not completely empty, I would not hesitate to drink from them! I even saw bottles of Gatorade brought by this other group of young people who have reached the island a few minutes ahead of us. They left their bottles of Gatorade as they ascended the lighthouse and when I saw the colorful bottles and their contents, I asked JP if he thought it would be okay to drink some! I was not even thinking of asking permission! Grabe talaga ang uhaw ko!
During the return trip, I had my walking stick with me and JP by my side the whole time. I felt even weaker as soon as we started going through the slippery and stony shores again. I believe what kept me going on and prevented me from stumbling and hurting myself are the prayers and songs of praises in my heart. My hope was to rely in His strength instead as I have lost much of my own. It was not hard to see God's hands in our midst. The majestic rocks in the island reminded me of our God's own majesty. I thought of His faithfulness and asked Him to steady my steps and strengthen me further. In my heart, I believe that He did so because I was not harmed in any way not just during that trek but during the entire trip. Truly our God is the Rock of Ages, faithful and true.
Of all the many wonderful things God has been called before, the Rock of Ages has remained a favorite. Sharing to you all the lyrics of the song I was singing in my heart back in Capones. My hope is that, in your own journeys, you may be blessed by the words of praises as well:
You're a healer in the time of sickness
A comfort in the time of grief
You're a stronghold in the time of weakness
A helper in the time of need
Rock of Ages
You are faithful and true
You are able to do
What you have promised
Rock of Ages
You are faithful and just
I will always put
My trust in You
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