THE HARE AND THE TORTOISE

The story of the hare and tortoise is still popular and relevant today. The hare was confident he had a sure win over the slow tortoise. 
When the finish line was in sight, he decided to catch forty winks.

Meanwhile tortoise knew winning was slim but nevertheless he continued to plod on. Soon he was crossing the finish line while the hare was just awakening from his nap!

From the tortoise, we can learn valuable lessons. The odds maybe against us but we should never give up prematurely. Keep our eyes and efforts focused on achieving the goal and do not let circumstances or people intimidate us. 
Keep going until we cross the finish line...

A GENERATION APART

There's an age gap of thirty plus years between us - almost a generation apart! Despite the difference, there is no denying the chemistry present in our relationship. 

We hardly meet, maybe just twice a year at birthday and New Year celebrations. Mostly we 'converse' on email and share many common interests. The strong attraction we feel toward one another translates into genuine fondness, mutual respect and admiration, integrity and transparency, complete confidence and trust.

I love his old world charm and great sense of humor. In return he thinks I'm cute! He's funny, also a great and enthusiastic story teller. To top it all, a book learned gentleman who is virtually a walking encyclopaedia!

I love our conversations. We laugh a lot together. There's so much we give and get out of each exchange.

Age is really no barrier. I wish everyone has at least one such endearing relationship. 

So good...

CLOSURE

School days weren't my happiest. I felt I had left no indelible significant memory and was not missed in any way. There were no contacts made with teachers, fellow students etc after we said our goodbyes and walked out the formidable school gate.
School was over; the close of one chapter.

Imagine my shock and utter disbelief when after forty years, a classmate I haven't heard from or seen called. "I've been thinking of you the past few years," she started. "And often wondered what had happened to you," she continued.
"So nice to hear your voice," we both chanted.

Through her, I learned some startling facts about Me. It seemed even back then, I was a popular figure at school and had a keen following. In fact I was somewhat idolized! Oh, really!? I never knew any of that. 
She was quick to add that I was different; stood out and demonstrated strong leadership qualities. You don't say!   Even though I was stern and firm - the no nonsense type  -  I had a soft heart and genuinely cared for people. That's true!

I'm walking on air... It's good to know my school years of obscurity weren't totally lost! I had mattered even then. So good to know ...even when it's forty years too late! 
Time for closure.

Smile, you'll never know who is watching...

WOW FACTOR

A lone elderly cleaning attendant was at her job scrubbing toilets. No one paid attention to the lowly labourer. She might as well be transparent. 
I felt compelled to do something nice. Hugging her would have sent her screaming 'lunatic on the loose!' That was certainly not my intention! Instead I approached and handed her a five dollar note and said, "minum kopi." (for your coffee break). 
The cleaner was stunned momentarily and then thundered back excitedly, "TERIMA KASIH" (Thank you) Her short shout sounded like an applause. A fiver means very little to us but it can provide a decent simple meal for someone who is really hungry. Maybe she'll save the money for candies for her grandchildren later. The thought brought a smile. 
Even as I have recorded this small incident, she too may have relayed her five dollar blessing story to her family, friends and neighbours and perhaps drew a couple of WOWS! On hindsight, I should have given her ten! My, what a story that would spin...

ENCOURAGEMENT

Celebrity chef Martin Yan usually ends his cook show with this famous line: "If Yan can cook, so can you!"

Some people bring out the best in us. They help us imagine we can be better than we presently are. They believe we can succeed even when we ourselves have doubts. They make us feel good. 

I like to embrace this sort of positive vibrant energy; totally immerse in its powerful effect, which is life changing.

I visited a dear friend today. He's 87 but can easily pass for 65. His attitude is remarkable and his zest for life, contagious. I love being around him. He claims to be my biggest fan and makes me feel 10 feet tall even when I feel real small! I went to him with a gnawing concern. He offered coffee, cakes and good conversation as always. An hour later, I came away feeling like a goddess placed on a pedestal. I was high on self confidence. And what did my wise friend say: "If I can do it, so can you!"

I believe him and daresay that my simple faith in his word pleased him. Encouragement works both ways.

Thank God for special people in our lives...

BELIEF

No matter how intelligent or informed we are, we still won't be able to give a totally accurate and satisfactory answer to all on: Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? 

A question that is probably at the back of every mind.

Some will try desperately and furiously to defend God - who seems to be sitting on his hands -while others blame and curse Him for all the evil in the world. 

"If He is God, He can stop them. Why doesn't He?"

Try, as some do, to provide smart, intellectual and theological answers, they end up frustrated, angry even and their faith, possibly, a little shaken. 

Let God be God!  Often He is put into a mould fashioned by human design.

With individuals who are currently in the throes of grave difficulties and suffering with minds closed and hearts hardened, nothing said would convince them of the unconditional sacrificial love of a righteous, just, faithful, generous, patient and merciful God. And who can blame them. There are no degrees of suffering to the sufferer. Pain is pain.  Sorrow is sorrow.

Having seen much hardship in various forms showcased in my own life as well as those around me and further in the world at large, I have gone through a kaleidoscope of emotional, spiritual, moral and physical upheaval. These have unavoidably directed me to the point of my faith.  
"What is Man that Thou, O God, should be mindful of him. What is he that Thou should care for him."

I believe that part of the answer to the Question Why? lies strongly in the very attributes of our Maker. Only He would/could completely and unquestionably make things right! He satisfies.  I am but clay in the potter's hand.

May God help us all.

WORK REDEFINED

I liked it when I was at the height of my career. 
Decisions, deadlines, deadlock, devilish opponents, demise etc are all part of the corporate game. I relished the chase and being chased. 

Nothing beats the thrill of the "kill!" And the celebration, after wards. How stimulating-how rewarding!

That was THEN. Today, the pace is slower, quieter, less risk and more calculated. Still passionate but less perilous.
A new season brings about change and different challenges; some of which are more trying than before! Retirement is 'rest' well earned. Still, we need to adapt and adjust; accommodate what life has in store. Our plate is full of surprises. 
The best years are ahead! Never retire from life.  That way, work is    p l e a s u r e   redefined. Enjoy ...

UNWANTED FEELINGS

We naturally like to be around people who are agreeable, accommodating and entertaining; individuals who tend to see and do things our way. In contrast we avoid anyone who is abrasive, abusive and arrogant; individuals who must always have the last say. 

Don't we hate to be lambasted?!

Face off with competitors, foes and adversaries are quite intimidating, daunting, dastardly and downright disruptive. Thinking makes it so!
However, if we recognize and acknowledge the usefulness of such opposition, we instinctively take away the sting and remove the venom. 

Difficult situations are designed for character building. Bitter or better? Our choice...our decision...our call.
First, curtail the unwanted feelings. The rest of the way is easy ...

GOOD VALUES

I love my children but that doesn't make me a perfect parent! 
However, it does qualify me to ensure their well being physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. 
Tough love demands that we teach, correct, discipline, direct and discern what is best for our offspring. 
Our methods may not always reap the best results and sometimes even backfire. Still, this temporary setback should not deter us from our commitment and calling as parents: to provide, protect, persuade and preserve the values that need to be constantly instilled in the lives of our children. Preparedness comes with a price.

Along the way, should we falter, take heart and be comforted. There are no perfect parents just as there are no perfect children. P E R I O D.
Work at capturing the significant moments...