There I was @ Bedok Food Centre, savouring Lee Kee's jackfruit fritter and Hollywood's chendol with al..
An elderly woman of about 80 came to sit with us - very near. Puzzled and uncomfortable because there were empty seats around the table but she wanted to take the very seat (which had been occupied by my bag) next to me. Of course, I shifted my bag away so that she can delight in her katong laksa. Thereafter, she asked me to take another bowl so that she can give us some of her laksa. Not being used to this warmth by a stranger and seeing her rather delicate and thin, we declined and asked her to eat more. However, she insisted, saying she won't be able to finish.
The amount she scooped for us was more than half of her bowl. (It reminded me of a parent eating lesser so that the child have more to eat. Usually, people gives less than half of their possessions to strangers, not the other side of the scale) I would rather have bought the laksa and shared it with her instead. (teaser: Don't go on diets! Eat more while you still young and have a larger appetite)
We thanked her but she said "No, thank God!!".
It dawned on me why she wanted to sit so close. She probably knew that with her small appetite, she can't finish any food she ordered, so she wanted to share in close proximity. She was not trying to be generous (in this case, read: having more thus able to give), she just wanted to share. Many a time, you heard of somebody having the heart for something/someone, but how much do they actually act on it. It's easy to say "I donate to this-and-this annually" or "If you need help, I'm just a call away". People who need help won't initiate asking for help, but they will accept help.
She could have just sat across us and still share with us her food, but the exchange would have just stopped there. She took the iniative to break the barrier (my bag in this case). Many of us (not just at-risks groups) have this built-in barrier, stopping others from coming too close. Come any nearer and get rejected. However, put in time, effort and care, perhaps the most freezing ice glaciers may melt. (a note of caution: don't remove the barrier only to move on..)
A timely reminder since I'm getting involved in a youth programme.
it's okay if you can't see the road ahead, just make sure God is still in sight!!
In His time, in His time,
He makes all things beautful in His time.
Lord, please show me every day,
As You're teaching me Your way,
That You do just what You say, in Your time.
In Your time, in Your time,
You make all things beautiful in Your time.
Lord, my life to You I bring.
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing, in Your time.
Words and Music by Diane Ball
Th3 b@bY iN mI
vette
15 Sept 88
child of God
likes: zzz
dislikes: waa waa
