After all the reasoning and defenses, I finally said YES to it. I challenged myself not to engage into any date with the opposite sex, not to entertain any conversation that might lead to emotional attachment with men, not to even think of having a partner (a boyfriend or a husband). Seems like a risky challenge huh? You bet, I’m not even sure if I really made it clear with myself what I got into. He he he. We had this “extreme” measure system so that we can be protected from impurity or immorality. One of the extreme measures I decided to do is not to have any man (except for family members) to ride at the passenger seat of my car.
One time I had a seminar in Manila with one of my male colleagues. I have to bring my car and so it will just be the two of us riding together. Then I remember the challenge. So I asked for help from another male friend. He was kind enough to accompany me so there will be no exclusivity between me and my officemate. One point for me there.
I did an audit in our other office and needed to bring again my car. Another male colleague asked me if he can hitch back to our main office. At first, I got startled that he might seat beside me in the car. But then God told me to have him sit at the back, which he actually did. Two points!
At another time, we had a global conference call that ended at past 9:00pm. Another male colleague had asked me beforehand to hitch in my car on going home. I already knew then what to do, he will sit at the back. When the meeting was over, this colleague said that he will wait for a public transport and should I come out of the plant and him still waiting at the gate, he will ride with me. Thank God, just before I leave he texted me saying that he was already on his way home in public commute. Not a point for me there, but moreso for God.
I am nearing the third month of this challenge; it is still early to tell what positive impact this has on me. But yesterday I had a very thrilling day. I have a secret crush with an officemate. I like him because of his intellect, not my usual white-complexion type though. He is from a different department and our work is not much related. It means that our encounter is very, very minimal. Thankfully we have extra curricular activities at the office! That was a little chance for me to work with him. And so yesterday was the closest to the encounter. He went to my office to ask about a project and after our short conversation, he asked for my number! Yeah I know it was nothing personal, but I really got thrilled on the thought that “my crush asked for my number”. Hi hi hi. I don’t even know if he will ever use my number – text or call, but nonetheless, I was really thrilled.
So how about that challenge? That encounter yesterday was more on the fun side. No strings attached, no emotional whatsoever, just pure and clean business matter. I really got thrilled though. Ha ha ha.
I thank God for this challenge. I know I will learn something from it that will draw me closer to Him. It is still a long way to go, but I know I am not alone in this. God is with me, together we will finish the challenge successfully.
