It’s a mid afternoon on a Sunday. Rain’s falling. I close my eyes and I hear this ensemble of sounds all at once — the intermittent wind, the rustling of leaves, the pitter-patter on the roof, the plink on the wet pavement.

It feels peaceful. I smile, full of gratitude for the weekend. I had already attended an early morning holy mass with my Philippine Embassy colleagues. After, I went to a commercial building hoping to find a shop that could replace the battery of my wristwatch. There’s none, understandably so; it’s a Sunday. Then, I bought a few items from the grocery store, including (I’m trying this for the first time) a passion fruit-flavored ice cream! It was around 11am when I got home, so I prepared brunch and ate a hearty meal. I was already feeling hungry since I only drank a glass of water before leaving for church. Right now, I’m expecting two (2) visitors who’ll arrive in an hour.

Yesterday, it’s a free day as well. I did my usual chores (cleaning, dishes, laundry), read some books, sent messages to my family members and some friends, listened to a few songs, and went out to buy something I needed. (I couldn’t wait for a cab after 3mins. of waiting so I walked for 30mins. instead). It was mid afternoon and the sun was not too hot anymore and a little wind made the walk quite pleasant.

Most shops were closed. I managed to reach a fabrics store and got a pair of cushion cases with blue-yellow prints before it closed. Then I walked to a new shop, went around and checked the items; I didn’t really need anything there but I walked out with a luggage tag featuring Stitch, that blue alien. 😀 Then I chatted with a lady selling potted plants, went to a grocery store I haven’t been to and got a few items, then to a phone shop, a stall of phone cases, then to stall selling lemon iced tea and kakanins and talked with the lady named Rose who was manning the stall, then went home.

Since Friday, some work matters came up very now and then, and needed to be acted upon. It’s the weekend but it’s okay. Not a major task. I am just glad there’s no Filipino who is in a dire condition and needed immediate assistance.

So yeah, I appreciate this time, a day when musical notes, tidbits of knowledge, stories about interesting fictional characters, video messages from my family (Mayon Volcano is acting up but I’m glad to know they’re okay) and how-are-you’s from friends are part of my day.

To close, I recall the responsorial psalm this morning: “Lord, let your mercy be on us as we place our trust in you.” Reverend Father said in the homily earlier that life brings with it challenges and worries. But God is with us. He said (paraphrased) that it is important to be there at the present moment. And if something disturbs our mind and our peace, then face it with hope and confidence, knowing that God is with us.

As my eyes drift and linger for a moment on the rivulets on the windowpane, I wish anyone who happen to come across this piece, a blessed and peaceful weekend and new week.