Cellular

I thank the Lord, for never have I regretted my decision of shifting to MBB. It's my third year in the program, which means I'm nearing the finish line, but still not there yet. So far it's been a learning experience. When people ask me (and they normally do, usually with bewildered eyes and gaping mouths) why I shifted from English Studies to Molecular Biology, I'd normally tell them that I no longer wanted to be a lawyer, English being a recommended pre-law course, but that I wanted to save lives by being a doctor. It's true, of course, but not exactly complete. I shifted because I wanted to know God more through His creation. My utmost consideration for a course was this: where I was going, would I come to a deeper understanding of God? I thank the Lord because now my answer is a resounding yes.

For the past years I've learned so much, my mind like a sponge being soaked in information. And each time, I'd be amazed at how things work in the molecular level: the precision, the speed, and the sheer complexity of biological systems. I often tell friends of my amazement, to which they'd conclude, with a deep-seated surprise, that God's glory isn't only reflected in the immensity of the universe, it's also manifested in the cellular level. And I agree.

It's because of grace that I'm able to see things in this perspective: one that acknowledges that everything is created by God and is under His sovereign control. I could very well dismiss that everything was created because of some theoretical explosion, that the intricate design we see both in the micro- and macro-levels was borne out of probability...but I find these things hard to swallow.

The things I've learned must create in me a sense of humility. "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:3,4). The God who created my cells is the same God who provides for my orange juice during class breaks, my PhP 6.50 Ikot jeep fare, and a cozy bed to sleep on at night.

Dear readers (at least, for those still studying), the challenge is to find God in the things you're learning. If you're studying philosophy, you should see that logical reasoning leads to the inevitable conclusion that God exists. If you're pursuing law, you should see that God is the giver of the Law and that His law is perfect. If you're taking up engineering, you should at least remember that Noah's Ark was created with His instructions (He knows buoyancy more than you ever will). If you're studying literature, you should see how wonderfully written and refreshing His word is. Do that friends, and you will never waiver in your desire to finish a degree.

As for me, it's still a long way before graduation!

Photo: Philippine Military Academy, Baguio City. Summer Break. May 2007.