Inside a coffeeshop in Batam waiting for our food to be served, we were approached several times by children selling tissue packs and other wares. There were several moments my heart had softened and about to reach out to buy just so it wasn't awkward for the other guests at the table however I recalled a lesson I was taught - feed one well and he will continue seeking to be fed. I kept my money where it should be and refrained from any eye contacts with the children for fear of stumbling.
After the relatively sumptuous meal of fish soup and bak kut teh, I stepped out to see another sight. A man in his mid-20s with a sack over his shoulder with what seems to be filled with used containers of odd shapes. Hunched over due to the weight of the sack, he limped with every step bare footed.
Several thoughts struck as I had wondered what caused his limp, his circumstances and his character.
Could it be due to an accident which caused the limp or was it some other family circumstances that put him in such plight. I guess I'll never know but I had put myself in his shoes and wondered how I'll pick up my life from there if it were me.
So is it true resilience is more important in life than anything else or is sheer determination more important? I guess where one is born plays an important part as well or where one is brought up in.
