Commentary
Some thoughts while in a barbershop!
By: Francisco Lindero
I opted to have a haircut today, and my sister-in-law told me that there is a barber shop near our place. Her suggestion made me pause and think.
I usually have my hair makeover at #GemsSalon at the Robinsons Place Iloilo. I trust their skills and I appreciate their “extra” service.
But, with the thought that I have only a bill in my wallet, I decided to consider having my hair done at the roadside barber shop.
It was a quarter before noon and I anticipated to be alone at the barber shop. Well, I was wrong. The only barber on duty was handling a client when I arrived. The shop was poorer than I expected. It was a makeshift and a sight of “bankruptcy”.
The barber welcomed me to his humble shop and offered me a seat. There were two benches at the back and two vacant service chairs. I took the bench, the one at the extreme corner.
Seeing that he was just about 50% on his current project, I was thinking of leaving the place to find another, or I should go to Gems to be sure. But I hesitated because Gems haircut costs P350 already. I have only P500 bill on my wallet. And that was the last one I have. So, I stayed there and kept waiting.
On the table nearby, I saw a pile of magazines, and to lull my boredom away, I helped myself find a piece to read. And I found an article about Former President Noynoy Aquino. It was not the whole story but only a page, or a portion of that feature article. Despite that I went to read it. The article spoke highly of the
Aquino’s. The information though was just a validation of what I already knew of this renowned political family.
While reading, the latest Facebook post I saw about Krissy, who is too thin being carried by Bimby to the toilet, flashed in my mind. I felt my heart crashed and I closed my eyes in prayer. “Touch Krissy with your healing hand, O Lord,” I whispered.
I love Krissy. I admire her eloquence. I appreciate her being vain yet classy. Actually, I am happy about everything of her. She is one of a kind.
“Sir…..?” The barber called me up as it was already my turn. I told him to give me a “barber round cut”. He nodded.
As I started hearing the razor buzzing on my ears, I felt like drifting in no-where. I only went back to my senses when the barber woke me up and asked me if I’m okey with his masterpiece. Well, it was not as perfect as I desired, but again it was his masterpiece. I smiled at him and gave him thanks.
The service cost me P100 only. I saved some P250 because I chose to have my haircut here instead of my regular salon.
LESSON
In life, we often face situation that calls us to choose between or among options. It is a gift of free will.
With this gift, we may end up satisfied or fulfilled, but if we are unlucky we may also find ourselves in trouble.
In every exercise of our right to choose, there is no 100% assurance that we get what we desire or expect. The reality or the result might be completely different from our expectation.
But, if things turn out differently from what we hoped for, let us stay at peace. Do not panic. Be not afraid. Rather we take responsibility. Be accountable. And get ready to give life another shot. Just be careful in making choices.
“There’s always a choice” series.
