I was at Ya Kun on Sunday afternnon. There was this really old lady - all hunched up and going from table to table trying to sell 4D tickets and tissue paper. Most people ignored her and I am usually part of that group - partly because I bought tissue from a little girl many years back and later found out from the papers that she was a con. I think such ingenuine cases do cause people to hold back from giving, because one can no longer discern the people who are in real need from those who are just out to fool kind-hearted souls.
But as that very old lady walked slowly from table to table, for the first time and despite all my reservations about swindlers, I was moved with sympathy. She was so old and she really looked like a genuine case. So I decided to purchase tissue paper from her and when she sat down for a momentary rest, I saw that she looked so tired and yet she had to continue approaching people because this was probably her only source of livelihood.
During my brief conversation with her, I learnt that she was 80 years old and she asked me if I wanted to purchase 4D tickets as well. I declined and she mentioned that she will have to absorb the costs of the 4D tickets if she was unable to sell them.
The old lady then made her way towards Pepper Lunch and was out pretty soon - no business. She went to try her luck at the neighbouring Long Johns Silver - but it seemed she had no luck as well. I felt really sad for her and bought a $2 4D ticket from her for $3.
I asked myself whether I should give her some money, but decided against it.
That brief encounter with the old lady was a reminder to me on my many blessings in life. It made me realise how lucky I am not having to worry about my daily meals. I pick and choose food and sometimes I grumble about the limited food options around my home..when others are struggling not to go hungry.
And I wonder how I can help them.
Many years ago, I had a dream. There was a box that could make any wish of mine come true. My cousin tried it and it worked. And as I held the box gingerly and fearfully, I was just about to make that most important wish in my life..when I work up. Sounds like a scene from a movie but that happened to me alright.
Other than that one wish, there are many wishes I will make - if only genie lamps exist. I'll love to have a photographic memory, talent in music, wisdom - and I realise how self-centred these wishes are. Very often, it is just about me, I, myself - when I am so blessed despite the hiccups in life.
While God has not made me the talent to be a Mensa member or a professional musician, He has given me a pair of hands which can help others. He did not give me what I wished for - simply because those items are not important. But He knows the amount of cheer willing hearts and willing hands can bring.
When we act according to God's will for us, I know there are good things in store. The more you give, the more you receive. And the more you help others, the more you realise how blessed and lucky you are. You begin to see things from a different perspective and life becomes more meaningful simply because we are not living just to please ourselves, but our lives can bring cheer to others.
God-willing, I hope to be that person He wants me to be.
But as that very old lady walked slowly from table to table, for the first time and despite all my reservations about swindlers, I was moved with sympathy. She was so old and she really looked like a genuine case. So I decided to purchase tissue paper from her and when she sat down for a momentary rest, I saw that she looked so tired and yet she had to continue approaching people because this was probably her only source of livelihood.
During my brief conversation with her, I learnt that she was 80 years old and she asked me if I wanted to purchase 4D tickets as well. I declined and she mentioned that she will have to absorb the costs of the 4D tickets if she was unable to sell them.
The old lady then made her way towards Pepper Lunch and was out pretty soon - no business. She went to try her luck at the neighbouring Long Johns Silver - but it seemed she had no luck as well. I felt really sad for her and bought a $2 4D ticket from her for $3.
I asked myself whether I should give her some money, but decided against it.
That brief encounter with the old lady was a reminder to me on my many blessings in life. It made me realise how lucky I am not having to worry about my daily meals. I pick and choose food and sometimes I grumble about the limited food options around my home..when others are struggling not to go hungry.
And I wonder how I can help them.
Many years ago, I had a dream. There was a box that could make any wish of mine come true. My cousin tried it and it worked. And as I held the box gingerly and fearfully, I was just about to make that most important wish in my life..when I work up. Sounds like a scene from a movie but that happened to me alright.
Other than that one wish, there are many wishes I will make - if only genie lamps exist. I'll love to have a photographic memory, talent in music, wisdom - and I realise how self-centred these wishes are. Very often, it is just about me, I, myself - when I am so blessed despite the hiccups in life.
While God has not made me the talent to be a Mensa member or a professional musician, He has given me a pair of hands which can help others. He did not give me what I wished for - simply because those items are not important. But He knows the amount of cheer willing hearts and willing hands can bring.
When we act according to God's will for us, I know there are good things in store. The more you give, the more you receive. And the more you help others, the more you realise how blessed and lucky you are. You begin to see things from a different perspective and life becomes more meaningful simply because we are not living just to please ourselves, but our lives can bring cheer to others.
God-willing, I hope to be that person He wants me to be.
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