Recollection

As the Philippine Graduation month has ended, I am imagining the hundreds of graduates currently looking for jobs, completing their Bio-Data or application forms, and submitting these where there are vacancies.

Every time I would need to complete an application form for a job vacancy, I am faced to answer various questions ranging from personal (e.g. date of birth or home address) to academic (e.g. degree earned, where, and when); from employment (e.g. job 1: what, where, and when; job 2: what, where, and when; etc) to other (e.g. community involvement, professional membership, etc). It’s not an easy job though completing a form because you really have to think of what you need to put down there.

Apart from filling in the form, companies here would require applicants to write on how their skills, experience, knowledge, etc would fit in the criteria for offering the job.

As I copy and paste details from one relevant file to another (Nowadays write-ups and previous application forms are saved on our computers which makes it easier to submit applications; not to mention that you could also send it to the company electronically), I couldn’t fail to look back at what happened in the past, bringing memories of yesteryears when I was studying in this school or was working in this or that company. Some were good, others bad. Some were full of thanksgiving, others with regrets.

In spite of these mixed feelings, I carried on completing the form and doing my write-up. As I come to the finish line, I felt as though I have been to a journey, a journey through my life. Suddenly, I couldn’t believe that I have already reached this point in life having achieved some of my dreams and still working on to fulfil other plans.

Completing application forms for me is like making a recollection, somewhat similar to those organised in school or in the parish especially during Lent. For it shows me where I am at the same time allowing me to think how I reached that milestone. It also features areas for improvement, weak spots, concerns that need addressing, real needs (e.g. What do I need to do to get a job promotion? What skills do I need to develop to be able to pass the interview? Is this what I really wanted to do for a considerable length of time?). Apart from the quiet times devoted to thinking, it’s really good to talk to someone about what you are recollecting.

With Lent at its peak I started to think: Have I thanked God for what I have achieved so far? Have I sought His forgiveness for the many times I have failed him (that includes relying too much on my efforts more than His grace)? Have I asked Him to continuously guide me in my journey? Have I been a trustful and trustworthy person? Have I been happy with how things are going on in my life? If not, what are those issues and concerns that upset me?

I may or may not succeed in applying for a new and better job (I hope I do!), but there is one application that I shouldn’t fail. An application that would find my academic, employment or financial standing irrelevant. An application that will be solely judged on how much I have loved. An application to eternal life!