What The Old Man Said to The God of Prosperity.

I've had just enough time...   to say no to the God of Prosperity

Taken from the hotel lobby of Jesselton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The God of Prosperity approached the old man with the slumped shoulder walking in the street. “Pray to me and I will bestow you riches untold!”

The old man lifted his weary head and looked at the God of Prosperity. A hint of a smile curled up his lips, looked to the ground again and continued on his way.

The God of Prosperity let him walked pass and waited, confident he will turn back for who can refuse free gold. But when it appeared that the old man’s intention is only to continue on his way; the God of Prosperity ran after him; his oversized stomach bouncing up and down as he caught up. How undignified for a God to be running after a man, he thought angrily. Through panted breath, he exclaimed “Are you short of hearing? I offered you Gold! Real gold for free!”

The old man replied patiently, “Leo Tolstoy said - Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.”

The old man continued, “I say - Gold, like Truth, cannot be obtained if you do not dig deep enough. Real gold cannot be recognized by its glitters for eyes are easily seduced. And once you are, you will sell your soul. I will tell Mr. Tolstoy one has to wash away the glitters too.” With that he gave another smile and a respectful bow and shuffled on his way.

The God of Prosperity was dumb struck. He recovered enough to ask “Have we met before?”

The old man replied without turning, “Yes, you were the one who sold me the false gold.”

Everyone’s Free (to Wear Sunglasses)

I've had just enough time to...   wear sunscreen and sunglasses :D

Taken in the morning market of Kota Kinabalu just before the sun is high on the sky.

Trust me,

Everyone ought to wear sunglasses

Before facing the sun.

Sunscreen may cover more

But if you protect your sight

It will be quite alright.

When the world is too bright

It will let in just the correct light.

But remember to take it off

When it is approaching night.

For when all around you is getting dark

It is best to trust your own sight.

(Inspired by Mary Schmich - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

_______

This humorous, witty and charming "commencement speech" by Mary Schmich will be what I would have loved to hear if I am among the graduating class. But no, the one we heard was dried like sand, rough like sandpaper and probably palatable only to chickens in a coop. So enjoy this imaginary speech that is full of great advice including scientific one like wearing sunscreen (ha ha love that! what an opening!) and I even throw in the song by Baz Lurmann for you to enjoy!

Some Hills You'll Never Climb.

I've had just enough time to...   realize there are some hills I'll never climb.

At the foothill of Mount Kota Kinabalu, a hill that has eluded me time and again.

There are some hills you’ll never climb,

No matter how close you get to it.

And you’re left wondering “what if?”

It is alright to pause and wonder for a while

And gaze longingly before you move on.

But move on, you should.

For some hills are never meant

To be climbed – By you.

You wonder if you should persist,

To climb the hill you miss,

Risking it all and make victory more the sweet.

Or try some other hills and discover them new.

But you can never know for sure

Which is which?

But the fact remains, there are more hills

Than you can climb.

And you have to decide,

Which to climb and

Which to miss.

The Small Boy And His Boat.

I've had just enough time to...   see the small boy again.

Taken off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

I saw the small boy in his boat struggling with the oar twice his height. He is too short to sit and paddle, so he sat right at the edge. Leaning precariously backward for leverage, he used his entire frame to push the oar against the water. He has not yet mastered the finesse of paddling. His awkward movements rocked the boat as he forced it forward.

There was no one to help him. No one to guide him. It was just him alone and the wide water. I witnessed his struggle. I saw courage. I saw heart. I saw determination. I saw him learning with every stroke.

As I walked away, the image of the small boy in the wide water floated in my head. It reminded me of another small boy a long, long time ago.

Without Words.

I've had just enough time...   to talk without words.

Taken in Kota Kinabalu esplanade.

If you can share a comforting closeness

Without a single word or movement.

 

He is your best friend.