These past few months had been a whirlwind of grace.
First, I'd been
able to survive an entire school term with four sections of college newbies -- first year students still transitioning from their high school mind-sets of
kabisote (rote) learning to trying to think and analyse things and issues for themselves.
Tough but rewarding, especially when you see most of them warming up to your efforts.
Second, though I
missed my grandkids and children so much, Facetime and Facebook nonetheless
allowed us precious bonding moments though we are continents afar.
Thank you Lord
for the miracle of the internet!
Healthwise, my
husband and I have measured up, in spite of the occasional stress seniors like
us endure. Thanks to Gigi, our faithful kasambahay, who never fails to prepare
our daily veggie-fruit concoction and make things easy-breezy for us around the house.
And third, my
fourth book has been birthed at last. "Now that You're Boss: Timely
and Timeless Lessons for New (& Seasoned) Leaders," had its soft
launch last week, courtesy of a long lost (back in my hotel days) colleague,
Ms. Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon -- in a venue I never would have afforded, and an
audience that was just the perfect answer to my prayer:
"Lord this
book is about your Word, and your message to people in the marketplace. Let
your purpose and your plan prevail. Let it be promoted to your intended
audience."
Previously, Elvie -- who happens to be the general manager of Vivere Hotel and president of the
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Muntinlupa -- and I found
myself in the same meeting room in the school where I teach.
"Could you
hold a seminar for us?" she inquired. As our chika progressed and she
learned of my upcoming book, she exclaimed, "Then you can launch your book
with us!"
I prayed too for
a sponsor so I can at least invite and say "thank you" to those who have endorsed
the book. My brother-in-law, Tony Olizon, responded graciously.
And in spite of
the pricey lunch tag, faithful friends came nonetheless.
So last Thursday, Sept. 11, my book took center stage at the ballroom of the Vivere Hotel, during the PCCI General Membership Meeting, where an overflow audience listened to my talk on leadership and market competitiveness, then lined up later to have their books signed.
Amazing, immeasurable grace! Thank you Jesus!