The BOARDS

My next few entries will be about seemingly random conversations leading towards the Board exams. I am posting this in the hope that people can see that God’s faithfulness is evident every step of the way.

Convo 5 “Bathala na”

I knew nothing. And by nothing I mean very very very little. I vowed never to reveal questions, and I won’t, but it felt like asking a grade five student (me) to answer grade eleven math problems. I felt ill-prepared, out of my league, and generally incapable. I already felt like a casualty even before the war was over.

After a few items, I prayed. Out of all the conversations I’ve had prior, this one had to count the most.

“Lord, pass or fail, Your will prevails.” (Not paraphrased)

I have been meditating on that sentence for a few weeks. I had to prepare myself for both outcomes. If I make it, great. If I don’t, great. And with the second “great” I mean it hurts but I’ll get over it.

The secret to my answering method is simple.

If you know the answer, great! (25% of the time)

If you don’t know, skip and return. (25% of the time)

If you return and still don’t know, try to apply logic with the question. (10% of the time)

If all else fails, pick a random letter, speak in tongues and pray. (40% of the time)

I finally finished. I donated my pen and pencils to the PRC. I breathed in and out, relaxed, and exited the room. I didn’t even worry about the result. If I failed, it was okay. (Was quite ready too.) I failed exams before, especially the ones I really wanted to pass. (ATENEO, and UP technically, but they didn’t let me take. That’s another story.) God used my failures to change my perspective. if I passed, I knew that it was fully because God aided me through the process. He reminded me that I shouldn’t let my past achievements limit my present efforts. God can use you to do what He has planned regardless of your capabilities. I couldn’t take any of the credit.

After three short days, the results came out.

And solely by His grace, I passed the board examinations for Psychometricians. It will never be a personal achievement as much as it is a personal testimony.

What I loved about it though was either way, I was ready for both outcomes.

Success is to be celebrated but let us not forget that failure is a means to a more beautiful end. The journey was a reality check. God was the true prize. He has given us a new beginning so that He could be with us until we finish. And even then, it will be beautiful. Not easy, not perfect, but beautiful.

To more adventures!

[Insert Verse 1, Till I See You, Hillsong United]