Privilege

                                                           

               Privilege doesn’t only apply to senior citizens. All of us have it, even the poor have privileges. Don’t believe me. Let me tell you a story.

Jake is a wealthy man. He’s 30 years-old and already financially free. He’s a very generous man. If you had seen his face you would have thought he’s 18.He always go to a restaurant named “Conquers”

But here’s the big twist: Before he had gotten wealthy he was the unknown janitor in that restaurant. No he’s not bragging, he just want to eat there, and yet that was 12 years ago.He never went to the end part of the restaurant. But he didn’t have a choice. Because before he had arrived the front seats were already taken.

So being an optimist, he sat at the back table. Ordered his favorite combo meal, which is Harburg-steak and mango shake. After he have eaten his meal. He called up a waiter for the bill. Surprisingly the waiter was his old friend. The waiter swiftly grabbed the bill and began talking to his friend.

Waiter: You’re a big shot now Jake. How were you able to face your obstacles and how come you look young?

Jake was about to answer when the manager interrupted the waiter.

Manager: Get back here! We still have costumers.

Waiter: Wait just a second. I talking to a friend here.

The manager nodded to Jake then began to leave.

The waiter began whining: You so lucky you had already got out in this crappy place. We’ve always been scolded by that stupid manager. And don’t get me started with the poor it is so mediocre.

Jake stood up and confronted the waiter/ old friend with a crooked smile.

Jake: I’m successful because I have the privilege of a “conquer” and not a complainer. I also have the privilege of gratitude. I was happy I have a Job. I was happy I have a manager to tell me about my mistake. And I was happy because was  I being fed.

See, this is what I’m talking po.

The blessings are already there, we just need to open the box gratefully not the other way around.

As a Filipino teenager my privileges are:

1.     I didn’t live during the Spanish regime.

2.     I didn’t live during the American occupation.

3.     I didn’t live during the Japanese occupation.

4.     I didn’t live during Martial Law.

5.     I didn’t live in a time where they were no smartphones.

6.     I didn’t live during Lapu-Lapu’s time wherein there is no technology at all.

7.     I’m now living in a Democracy country.

8.     I have the privilege to think freely.

9.     I have the privilege to be happy.

10.   I have the privilege to worship my “God”

11.   …

Friend, the list goes on. Why, because we have a lot of blessings and privileges. We only need to open our pupil (that was a joke po) I mean eyes.

Godbless us all forever.

                 -Lander John M. Laroya