The Strength of A Man

The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.It's in the width of his arms that encircle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.It's in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.It's how
good a buddy he is with his children.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.It's in how respected he is at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.It's in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.It's in his heart, that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.It's in being true to one woman.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.It's in the burdens he can carry.

© July 15, 1999 Jacqueline Marie Griffiths

via Pulpit Helps
Source for the above poem: http://www.appleseeds.org/strength_man.htm

In the past, man depicts power, authority, and dominance. These qualities were derived from our previous ancestors. Who once lived in caves or jungles during those times, it is the physical strength of man that puts him on top. By his strength he draws his power, authority, and dominance.

This was the past. And by time, this status has changed dramatically. The meaning of Manliness in present is determined not anymore by physical attributes. Man’s manliness is now more highlighted on the values that govern his character and personality.

Man’s strength is grounded on his values, and is visible thru his character. These values will always differ from one man to another. As each person’s values in life are not the same. The key to unlocking this strength is first discovering the values in life. From these values he would then be able to set his goals in his life.

I am not a man of strength myself. But I draw this strength from my child, which in turn opens my eyes to the values that I should possess. Outline my goals. If I cannot realize my dreams then better be dreaming than not dreaming at all.

Long ago, measuring a man’s strength is determine by man’s struggle against the challenges of his environment, in these modern times it is the struggle against himself that will measure his strength.

Our Family Park Experience - Cebu Family Park

Wednesday, March 5, 2008, it may seem unusual going to a park in the middle of the week. However, after me and my baby daughter had our lunch at McDo, it suddenly came into my mind that I should take some time for my baby, and that the best thing would be taking her to the Zoo. Sad to say, Cebu city’s zoo has
long closed.

The first place that came to my mind now was the Residence Inn somewhere at Busay road. I remembered way back years ago, my friends and me went there, and there was this large yellow python. It was a nice experience, and we did enjoy it. But that was way years back. So I was hesitant to proceed there.

My last option was The Family Park somewhere near Talamban, I have never been there, not even once, but my mother did mention it to me the mini zoo and the pool. On our way there, we experienced heavy traffic near Foodland, there was this construction for a flyover going on, so it took us more like 30 – 45 minutes to get there from JY Square Discovery Mall.

When we arrived, just as we entered the place, along the road surrounded by the trees, I heard my daughter marveled “Nindota dri oi!” It then gave me a grief that I did do the right thing taking her to this park. For the entrance it only cost us 15 pesos. Not a bad price for a place to stroll and a visit to the mini zoo. It would be her first time to really see live wild animals, such us monkeys; oh the family park has plenty of monkeys and baboons. The Philippine brown deer, the myna bird, python, monitor lizards, and eagles.

I took her hand as we were going to the Mini Zoo. My baby was so amazed about the animals, and a little bit of being afraid. She was delighted being there even though it’s not really that nice to most of us who have been to large zoos, like the Manila zoo or the used to be Cebu zoo, we could easily compare about the variety of animals that we should see. What makes this place especial is because it’s the only place we have now here in Cebu. It is really an irony that most parents right now are so busy looking for money in the struggle for everyday life that most of them forget to give their children the experience that every child should have. Things like a stroll to the park, a picnic, a visit to the zoo, or a day on the pool or beach. If it had been that way, places like The Family Park would have been much nicer, parks would have more funds to sustain maintenance and daily expenses. Even the large pool, needs more maintenance. Algae are developing that means there is a need for more chemicals.

About our midweek experience on The Family Park? Above satisfactory, low cost, unplanned yet satisfying. My baby’s joy seeing those animals was priceless. I hope this blog would give you the idea of going there yourself and your family every once in awhile. The next time we will visit the park, we will going to try the small pool.