It was the last Sunday of the month. It’s been a while since the last time I joined the monthly youth activity and this is it. I was so excited and I wondered what I’ve been missing these past few months since I got preoccupied with my studies.

As I was preparing for the youth activity, the sky grew darker and darker as if the sun took an early break. I was already in the bus when God started to water the plants and trees. At that moment, I took pleasure watching the rain pour down even though I didn’t have my umbrella with me.

I finally arrived at the UCG activity center safe and wet. I felt cold but it was slowly replaced with the warmth of my enthusiasm to once again have the opportunity to have a break from the customary things I do during the weekdays.

First on the list, we started with the Speech Club. It was a common sight to watch the speaker shake because of nervousness but what really amused me about them was their courage to stand and approach the lectern despite the fear of the unknown at the back of their minds. You can’t help but admire the bravery they display keeping in mind that the most common fear of people, is public speaking.

When we ended the Speech Club session, snacks came next. We had pizzas to add flavor to our fellowship. It was delicious enough to stir up our appetite for the main dish, the spiritual food.

Most assuredly, the day won’t be complete without having our Bible study. We talked about the different world religions, its history, rituals and doctrines. We had the chance to examine how this world produces counterfeit religions that took away the real essence of our existence. Up to this moment, it’s really hard to believe how deeply privileged I am to be part of God’s chosen ones. Just the mere thought of billions of people walking here on earth, I could not fully comprehend the magnitude of the importance of God’s calling.

After we partook of the spiritual food, we had the most awaited guitar lesson. I was so eager to learn the basics about guitar playing. I’ve tried learning by myself in the past, but I just get frustrated time after time. But now, I had the chance to hear it from the expert, Mr. Wilson Cinco.

Sometimes I get really disappointed when I encounter chords that are really hard to play, but in times like that, I just close my eyes and picture myself giving special music at Sabbath Services, it gives me a feeling of inspiration. That moment might still be a long way from now, but it gives me a worthy reason to focus more and it gets me going until that day comes.

At the end of that rainy Sunday, I looked back at the things we have done and it painted a smile on my face. Those are the things that I missed, the things that this world’s educational system could not give. I’d realized that the youth activity was not just another ordinary day; it was a “life-changing day.” For me, this is true and I am not exaggerating things.

In this day, the shy person will learn to express his or her ideas, to face other people and overcome the fear of public speaking. In this day you will learn of the essential things that only the few and chosen know, things that was never taught in school, things that will give you the chance to know your true potential as a child of God and give you a sense of purpose in your life. In this day, you will discover how to develop not just the physical aspect of your existence but all the realms of your human dimension.

Indeed, this day will come once every month and twelve times a year, except if there are special occasions, but with every last Sunday of the month you’ll have something to look forward to. You’ll come to realize that there is something beautiful at the end of the month and that is “this life-changing day!”

© 2008 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas