« Sedated | Main | Wednesday's Child »
July 19, 2005
Two Little Lessons From Life
Had a chat with an elderly Malay gentleman from work this morning while ingesting my breakfast. He was not someone in a high position. In fact, he was an office attendant who just delivered files from one department to another every day and did anything and everything else that needed to be done.
I never despise such people in my life. Actually, I feel more for these people than those who have everything at their disposal. Simply because elderly people like him who has seen almost everything, felt almost everything and came so far in their life, have a lot of wisdom to offer. I admire their wisdom and their simple perspective to life more than anything else. In fact, I never pass up an opportunity to talk to them.
So, he had his coffee kosong while I was sipping my teh. Then, we talked about events that were and would be unraveling at our workplace. Despite being seen as a quiet man who minded his own business, the nature of his job meant that he was able to see and observe many things happening in and around our big organisation. However, it was his two little parables which I found enlightening.
The first was a short story about two coconuts: one old one on a higher branch and one young one on a lower branch. One day, the old one got too heavy and fell onto the ground from its lofty position. This made the young coconut exclaimed, “Ha! See how you have fallen! Now I have taken over your place as the new coconut on the lofty position.” The old coconut, on hearing the jibe from its young counterpart, replied, “One day, you too will be like me.”
The second was just a simple reminder of how one should respect his or her parents. Using one hand, the elderly gentleman moved his thumb naturally and it was able to touch his four fingers easily. However, when he tried to do the same (finger to thumb), there was much difficulty. In his analogy, the thumb represented our parents, who would naturally think of their children (fingers), before anything. However, without the thumb, the fingers are almost useless. So, quoting the elderly gentleman, “Respect your parents and God will give you many blessings.”
Linkworthy
(a) Iraqi Boy's Journey to Erase the Scars of War
The father and son could hardly contain themselves when they landed in New York on Wednesday night.
In Times Square, Ali's eyes lingered on every building, every storefront, every glowing billboard.
"So much electricity," Ali said.
They quickly figured out what American things they liked (grilled cheese) and what they did not (escalators).
This true story is worthy enough to be made into a film.
(b) There is a Teapot cult in Malaysia!
Gee... this reminds me of the old lady who lived in a shoe.
(c) The tribe who thought they were the only people on Earth
Posted by D W at July 19, 2005 10:32 AM