There are some little things, which would and could make a huge difference in our lives.
Example. What I witnessed yesterday.
I was on my way back from work on the Federal Highway. It was raining. A taxi broke down near one of the exit junctions. It was obstructing traffic on the road leading to that junction. One lone Malay man, the taxi driver, was trying to push his car to the side of the road. One Indian man, on a motorcycle, made a halt next to the taxi, got down from his motorcycle, and helped the taxi driver push the car. The car was finally by the side of the road. Traffic cleared.
The Indian man was wet enough already. He didn’t have to stop but he did. He must’ve been on his way to find some shelter or to put on a raincoat. But he stopped to help. While the rest of us, warm and comfortable in our cars, did nothing.
What’s sweeter, is the fact that there is absolutely no racial boundaries between us. Us, the ordinary Joes. When politicians politicize too much on racial issues, I don’t believe in them. Because I’ve witnessed too many heartwarming incidences to have faith in this word called ‘unity’. Just the other day I was at a petrol station and saw an Indian man greeting a pak lebai (complete with a white jubah and janggut panjang). They joked with one another and the Indian man good-naturedly patted the lebai’s back.
I have no intention to emphasize on racial unity or One Malaysia or whatever. Because my blog is not serious like that. I want to highlight the first story. A story which is clearly of no significance but for the fact that it tugged my heart, for one apparent reason. I need to be more helpful and kind to others. Especially to those in need. I could do so much, in my capacity, to help people. But I’m always complaining about the things I lack, about the hours I need to work…when clearly, all I need to do is be more grateful. Obviously the man on the motorcycle is the better person that I could only strive to be. I’m not even close. Are you?
Example. What I witnessed yesterday.
I was on my way back from work on the Federal Highway. It was raining. A taxi broke down near one of the exit junctions. It was obstructing traffic on the road leading to that junction. One lone Malay man, the taxi driver, was trying to push his car to the side of the road. One Indian man, on a motorcycle, made a halt next to the taxi, got down from his motorcycle, and helped the taxi driver push the car. The car was finally by the side of the road. Traffic cleared.
The Indian man was wet enough already. He didn’t have to stop but he did. He must’ve been on his way to find some shelter or to put on a raincoat. But he stopped to help. While the rest of us, warm and comfortable in our cars, did nothing.
What’s sweeter, is the fact that there is absolutely no racial boundaries between us. Us, the ordinary Joes. When politicians politicize too much on racial issues, I don’t believe in them. Because I’ve witnessed too many heartwarming incidences to have faith in this word called ‘unity’. Just the other day I was at a petrol station and saw an Indian man greeting a pak lebai (complete with a white jubah and janggut panjang). They joked with one another and the Indian man good-naturedly patted the lebai’s back.
I have no intention to emphasize on racial unity or One Malaysia or whatever. Because my blog is not serious like that. I want to highlight the first story. A story which is clearly of no significance but for the fact that it tugged my heart, for one apparent reason. I need to be more helpful and kind to others. Especially to those in need. I could do so much, in my capacity, to help people. But I’m always complaining about the things I lack, about the hours I need to work…when clearly, all I need to do is be more grateful. Obviously the man on the motorcycle is the better person that I could only strive to be. I’m not even close. Are you?
1 comment:
i sooo get you. Today i was lost otw to my friend's wedding. I asked an Indian uncle the direction.
he said it's about 10-15 km ahead, but i guessed i he saw how confused i was, he said "takpe, u ikut blakang motorbike i" and showed me the place.
he doesn't have to do that but he did. i'm so touched =D
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