Cool Change
Quick shoot at the airport before my trip to Seoul yesterday afternoon. It’s 8 degrees here when we arrived at night, but of course I couldn’t wear my jacket yet in the sweltering heat of Manila, heh.
A lot of firsts come with this, like the first time to (finally!) visit a favorite city, first time to travel with the whole family including cousins, and my first time out of the country on Holy Week.
They say Lent comes in tandem with conversion—a change in attitudes, mindset, or principles. Sometimes, the change is temporary, like not eating meat or going on Facebook. Other times, the change is as profound as forming a new habit or subscribing to a different way of doing things.
Whichever the case, it’s a season usually associated with a somber and sobering kind of change. “Repent,” “penitence,” and “metanoia” become almost like buzzwords. As Christians, I realize that we’re supposed to spend this season reflecting on the Son of God made fully human, and the passion and death He had to suffer for our sins. But, whether or not one believes in His divinity, it’s hard to argue that Jesus was a highly intelligent, progressive, open-minded, and all-around cool person. As we journey towards becoming better persons, I’d like to believe He would rather we find happiness and delight in our hearts with the thought that we are so loved by God we were given His only Son, rather than guilt and anxiety and fear for all the wrongs we’ve committed and the punishment they deserve.
I mentioned that there are many firsts about this Holy Week trip. I guess the most important of all is that for the first time, instead of the sadness Catholics seem “obligated” (for lack of a better word) to feel, I would rather we feel honored for the grace we’ve been receiving. Instead of a sacrifice borne out of penance or self-flagellation or self-deprivation, I would rather a commitment to give back and pay forward, all the love and kindness we experience.
Lent is all about change, but I’d like to think the things we do around it don’t have to be glum, compulsory, and consequently, unsustainable. We can be reflective and contrite and be doing them not out of obligation but with sincere and peaceful joy. ♥
What I wore on the flight—laidback summery. Lemon yellow, grey and white colorblocking dress, Cole Vintage.
Even my suitcase was a fruity avocado green, subdued by an injection of white here and there.
Different shades. Grey shoulder bag, SM Accessories.
My two Pandora bracelets and Titan Raga watch, my go-to combination for when I don’t have a particular arm party in mind.
Kitten-heeled pumps in grey and floral pastels, Forever 21. Hype this on Lookbook here, vote on Chictopia here. Let me know what you think of this post by commenting below. :) Korea series coming soon—hope you have an equally delightful week ahead!