Many years ago I was having chicken rice at a hawker centre. I paused from eating and a man came over to
my table. He thought that I had completed
my meal and asked if he could have the rest of my rice and chicken. My plate was messy and I was not used to
giving food that I had eaten to others. I told him I would get him a meal. I remembered someone taught me about giving
my best gift to someone as though I’m the receiver. As a receiver, we always
wanted to receive the best gift. I
think the best part of a chicken is drum stick so I bought for the
stranger. It did not cost me much. But I had this satisfying and happy feeling
that I had helped someone in need.
Make Room in our Hearts
I am now distracted and occupied by the busyness and demand of live that
I missed seeing the needy one. I learnt
that showing hospitality is reciprocate of God’s love to us. It is a way of life we need to live out. It’s a duty we need to do. Hospitality can be cultivated over a
life-time if we make room in our heart.
Hearts can be enlarged by praying that God will give us eyes to see the
opportunities around us, and by putting ourselves in places where we are likely
to encounter strangers in need of welcome.
We are not excused from showing hospitality with our limited resources
or space to host a stranger. I pray that
my heart will be open to people to connect and share whatever I could
provide. Be it a prayer, a warm smile or
comfort to the discouraged one.
I enjoy eating alone during work.
I have the flexibility to lunch at any time so this give me an excuse to
eat alone as I usually avoid lunch crowd.
I also struggle with the idea that my colleague will find me bore as a quiet
companion. I have to think of possible
conversation during meal as I think it is rude to be silent when sharing a
meal. I have the freedom to make choices
as where to eat and what to eat. I am
now convicted that I should not eat alone too often. I should have shared meal
with others for eating is for sanity to promote physical, social and emotion healthy. When I eat with someone, it will reduce
social isolation and improve physical mental health.
Present in Body But Absent In Spirit
I stay with my parents and though we stay under the same roof, I think
I have often neglected their basic need - to engage in a conversation or meal with
undivided attention. When I dine with them, I am always occupied and
preoccupied with something or playing with my hand phone. I have no room for them. I am present
physically in body but absent in spirit. I am sure they feel insignificant. Sometime when they talked to me, I really
don’t know what they are saying. Through
this lesson, I am convinced that I should make space for them. Last week, I had lunch with my mum. I deliberately left my hand phone at
home. It was a good meal as I talked and
responded to my mum. I also noticed new changes
in the food court which I have missed out.
