Why I Believe Life Is Good

By Bo Sanchez

There are some things in life which I deeply enjoy. Like standing on top of a serene mountain breathing in God’s beauty. Or simply reading a good fat book that I can’t put down. Or just being hugged by a little child or eating ice cream with friends. But here is this one specific thing that I do which I find exquisitely sweet. Awesome even. It probably one of the most profoundly inspiring things that I do.

You might think it’s preaching. Or writing for Kerygma. Or leading worship. Believe me, I love doing those things but I’m thinking of something but I’m thinking of something else. (Something downright simple)

I’m thinking about cutting Dad’s fingernails. And toenails. You see, Dad is turning 80 years old. And he can’t see very well anymore. So, whenever I’m home, this elderly man lumbers towards me, and very shyly, shows me his fingernails and toenails. He doesn’t have to say anything. He just chuckles. And I understand.

So, I get my heavy-duty, industrial-strength kryptonite nail clipper. And we do to work. I also wear bullet-proof goggles to protect my eyes, lest they be injured by flying shrapnel. Beside me is a chain saw, just in case my mail clipper won’t do. But as I do my heart melts within. Because many years ago, I still remember when he’d do this for me. As a little boy, I d sit his lap, and he’d hold my tiny hands, and with great care, cut my nails. I remember him doing this again and again and again!

Those were also the days when he’d bring me to the barber shop. As I’d sit on the high chair, he’d tell the barber what to do. “Make him guwapo.” He’d command.

Today, things are a little bit different. I now bring him to the barber – after some shy signal from him that he doesn’t want to look like Freddie Aguilar. With a sheepish smile, he’d form his fingers like scissors and run them though is grayish hair. And so I’d drive him to a nearby barber shop. Trying to stop my tears from falling. And when he’d plop on the chair, I’d tell the barber what to do. “Make him guwapo like me,” I’d command.

Life is good. Why?

Because life gives me precious moments to say “thanks” to special people
Because life gives me abundant opportunities to genuinely love.
Because life gives me a way to be a better person, every day.