From Material Pursuit to Spiritual Awakening:

I grew up looking at life as simple. simple but rich and nutritious meals are always served on the dining table. We become happy and satisfied with wooden and paper toys. things you no longer need to buy. our parents are always at peace. despite the trials of life, they kept us at peace. We don't even know what the word "hard" is. Because they didn't make us feel the hardship either.

We had so much fun and let our imaginations run wild. Our parents loved us deeply and protected us from life's complications. They made a special place for us to grow up where we were happy and thriving. We didn't care about fancy things or the latest trends because we found joy in the little things around us. Our parents' selflessness and strength showed us the way and helped us understand the true value of the simple pleasures in life.

Until my siblings and I worked.

Getting married had their own lives and lifestyles. Away from our parents, in our very simple and peaceful home.

I feel like I've been released into a world I've never been in before.

I've met people who are like the snake that tricked Adam and Eve in the Bible. They made me realize how society often makes you feel worthless if you don't have fancy things like expensive cars or eat at famous restaurants. It's like they're saying you don't belong if you don't have what they have.

That's when I started to get confused. Troubled. Disturbed. I can say that my situation is "pitiful and wretched".

As time went on, I realized that my relentless pursuit of material wealth and societal acceptance had taken a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. At the age of 40, I was confronted with the word "depression," a haunting realization that made it difficult for me to find solace even in sleep. The relentless pursuit of riches had left me exhausted and disillusioned, questioning the true meaning of happiness. I began to wonder if there was more to life than the constant pursuit of material possessions and external validation, as others often professed.

When I reached a point of deep depression and could no longer bear the weight of societal expectations, I found solace in returning to the comforting embrace of my aging parents. As I tightly hugged them, tears streamed down my face, and in that powerful moment, words were unnecessary. The warmth radiating from their presence already enveloped me, and their wisdom began to permeate my being.

In the depths of my despair, my parents, anchored in the teachings of the Bible, illuminated the essence of genuine existence. They reminded me that true fulfillment and meaning in life cannot be solely derived from material possessions or the approval of others. Instead, it is found in the intangible treasures of love, compassion, and faith.

Their advice, rooted in the timeless wisdom of the scriptures, awakened a realization within me. The peace I yearned for was not found in the pursuit of societal markers of success, but rather in the nurturing bond of family and the understanding that my worth lies in being a compassionate and loving human being.

In their gentle guidance, my parents revealed that life's true purpose is not solely about personal gain or social status, but about embracing the principles of kindness, empathy, and selflessness. They showed me that genuine happiness flourishes in the realm of spiritual connection and deep relationships, where we prioritize the well-being of others above superficial markers of achievement.

In their presence, I rediscovered the profound beauty and simplicity of life as guided by the teachings of the Bible. It illuminated the path toward inner peace, reminding me to focus on cultivating a loving heart, nurturing authentic connections, and pursuing a life that resonates with my core values.

With the love and guidance I received from my parents, I came out of that difficult time feeling more motivated and with a better understanding of what really counts in life. Their constant support and teachings from the Bible still help me today, helping me handle life's difficulties with kindness and allowing me to recognize the true blessings in my life.