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by Judge Jocelyn Uy-Po
The lighter side of life on those ordinary days. Half of the article was written in 2003, and the other half was completed in 2018. Fifteen years had passed, and it’s amazing how God had faithfully morphed my life as well as that of our family into what I consider as a simple God-fearing family. Let me start with the 2003 article…
Circa 2003
Being a judge is no easy task. I shall not discuss anything about my job because it’s already obvious how taxing it is to be one. All lawyers are aware of it. I shall then discuss another scope of the job of a judge per my personal experience.
When I was appointed judge of the Consolacion Municipal Trial Court last 2002, my reaction was very consistent with what Justice Sison said when I applied for this position. She said, “You are the only reluctant applicant.” Thus, when I got appointed, I cried. Not with excitement that I am now a judge, but because of the great responsibilities ahead plus the giving up of many other things.
I thought that going to my place of work was no big deal since Consolacion was one of the “nearest” stations among the many courts up for grabs. I considered myself very fortunate to be given this station by God. Then, reality hit me on myfirst few trips to that place.
I thought I would be driving smoothly to that hallowed pedestal that I called my courtroom. But lo and behold, I was driving alongside mammoth trucks. Not the ordinary four-wheel Isuzu etc. trucks, but the big nth wheeled trucks. Those trucks are full of different cargo. Sometimes carrying anapog, tanks of oxygen, rattan poles, metal tubing, lumber, barrels… You name it, you got it! And yeah, hogs too!
When I start to traverse uphill, I always pray for two things. “Lord, do not let those tiny ropes that are holding those loads snap, or else I will not look beautiful in my funeral.” If the cargo was rattan poles, the more I double this prayer. Just imagineif that tiny rope snaps and those rattan poles flyto my car, I will look like a human barbecue on a stick. Can’t imagine what a great task those funeral artists will have with that. If the cargo was oxygen tanks, they would flatten my face. I am proud of mysharp pointy nose, so I can’t take any chances here.
Wooh! Gross!! But that’s just the beginning. When I go downhill, I’d pray that my brakes, as well as the brakes of all the trucks behind me, would hold. Otherwise, my face will end up stuck on my windshield. Again, my sharp nose, don’t forget that.
This stress started even from the earliest hour of my working day. People asked me why I did not get a driver. Well, if I have to die on the road, I prefer to be able to face it head-on with nose held high.
I hope by next writing I can discuss some funny incidents I encountered in court. As of now, let me say, “Ciao.”
Circa 2018
Fast forward fifteen years. I am now up by two salary grade levels, and am almost at the last stage of my step increment. Soon I will reach retirement age.
My sons have all become professionals; however, they are all pursuing their second courses. Little did I know that one would go for full time ministry. The other one, who vocally told me that he would never want to be like me, is starting to become my mini-me; that includes his size and height. The other one just thanked me for giving birth to him after assisting a child being delivered.
My husband is as quiet as before.
Looking back fifty years ago, he is still the same little boy that I fell in love with, except with gray hair, bespectacled eyes and aching joints. Our silent whispers had turn to shouts because as the Bible said, “The sound of the mill is low.”
One time, he told me that I was so noisy. I understand because words are noise to one who is hard of hearing. I lovingly told him, “Enjoy my voice because you will soon miss it forever.” This is the sad part of life, but this is life. Man is created with an end.
Ahhh, we are both now entering the Ecclesiastes 12 Era as I would often like to think of it. However, before the dawn of youth arrives, Ecclesiastes 11:6 reminds me that, “In the morning sow your seed, and at evening let not your hand be idle, for you know not which of the two will be successful, or whether both alike will turn out well.”
Yes, we had sown, God had blessed our seed and I pray that they will turn out to be God-fearing young men, successful in every way, favored by God and men.
As much as possible, my husband and I are preparing for that evening to come. But before it comes, we try to stay grounded, humbled by God’s presence and guidance awaiting for that call that would beckon us home one day.
I am always reminded by what Bishop Fulton Sheen had said, “God never puts the crown of victory on a swollen head. As the shadow of the sun are longest when its beams are the lowest, so we are greatest when we make ourselves least.”
My deepest prayer is that whether it be the seed we had sown or the work of our hands, may both all turn out well.
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