Significance.
What defines your significance? Is it your status? The number of zeros in your bank account? [RM0.0000000] Good looks? Pretty car? Job description? Abilities, character, attitude?
I was standing in the MRT train, with my big backpack heading to Novena Square. I was en route to where the bus will take me back to KL. The train was 3/4 packed with diverse people, obvious from their appearance. I looked around, observed them and I realized one thing. Had it been that I was on the Malaysian LRT, I’d gotten looks and people wondering about me. I didn’t get the same vibe in Singapore. It’s hard to stand out in a society so .. competitive and fast-paced.
My half-brother and I talked a lot about Singapore. The life, the work, the play, the 1.2 million studio apartments, hospitality. As I compared Malaysia and Singapore, I thought that the infrastructure difference isn’t too big. Information and technology wise, we’re pretty close. I guess the only obvious difference between the two countries is the mindset of it’s citizens. At the end, one conclusion I drew from it was that it is very hard to stand out in a place like Singapore, but it’s not hard to stand out here in Malaysia. It just takes us to work hard for what we desire to achieve in our career and life. And have God involved in everything that we do, yeah. :)
When I think about standing out, it encompasses significance. Is the struggle, that significant? Is it hard to stand out? When I think about my career, and as of late I have been thinking a lot about it .. It’s not, really. Hence the question, what is our definition of significance? Is it the items listed above, or is it God, and what God has destined and set us apart to be?
For me, and I hope it is for you too, that it is definitely God and what He has destined us to do or be. First, a child of God .. and the rest follows: Shepherds, sheep, light of the world, priests, lay leaders, respectors of authority etc. In terms of work and all, it’s just having God as the focus and source of our service and delight .. will bring about that significance in our lives. Ultimately, it’s God’s approval that we seek .. and not only just that of men.
Ps. Julie shared among the few of us, this really simple truth; When we learn to let go, and submit to God’s will .. all the more God will trust us. If we struggle, worry or resent things that don’t go quite right .. it’ll be harder for it to come through.
So trust God, wait, and wait patiently. It’s something that I need to learn.
David[hmm]
Yes it is indeed hard to stand out in Singapore. With the increasing level of global competition, it is easy to fall into the self-pity trap of ‘Oh-I-am-not-good-enough’. True in a way, because the world’s standard of perfection changes all the time, and it is impossible to keep up, please everyone and be on top of the game all at the same time. Though the world constantly shouts into our face that we are not good enough as a 3rd class honors graduate, or how we can never climb the corporate ladder without resorting to certain tactics, I refuse to believe it. I choose to identify my significance in God. As a child of God. His beloved. I learnt to trust Him more each day, through many trials, disappointments and tears. I am still learning this though. I believe it is a lifelong journey of faith, trust, hope and love in the King of Kings.
Hey Wan Tze! It’s great to hear from you .. Never knew you actually read my blog! Aaha.
Awesome stuff from you, I must say. Like in the Bible,”Honour God, and He will honour you!”
Coming back anytime soon … ?
David[hehe]
Haha! Well, I am back for holidays, just forawhile. I will be stationed in Singapore for the next 5 years; 2 more years in university, and 3 more working years. We’ll see how it goes. As God leads eh? :)
You are? Ahh. We should meet. Maybe dinner or something. :)
Still have my number?
David[hmm]
No, I don’t have your number! Email it to me, ya? Thanks :)
Mailed! Be safe, back in Singapore!
David[woohoo!]