"A candle that burns itself to brighten the lives of others..."
— International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz
Don't you think life as a candle is so pathetic? You are created for the sole purpose of giving brightness to others when they are in darkness. But while you are rendering your service, you suffer the torment of burning yourself until there is nothing left to burn. And then you disappear into nothingness and forgotten forever. Such is the prospect of living as a candle...
But sometimes, in some situations, the candle that burns does not burn itself; and it does not disappear into nothingness. Far from it — it grows stronger and richer with every burn, so much so that it refuses to quit rendering its services to others. And so let us not waste our pity on the mighty candle. It is more than happy to give us light.
During this festival of light, may I wish everyone Happy Deepavali.
2 comments:
well, isn't it worse, if the candle merely exists and not make any difference to the life of others. than the candle would have taken up too much space for nothing in this world.
sometime we are so afraid to do things that are out of our comfort zone. we are afraid of getting burn so we chose not do to anything and lead a wasted life.
Oh! It is profound what you've said there, my friend.
I have often wondered if there will be a time when all of us can agree what should amount to a "wasted" life.
I was teaching in a private college for about 3 years before I realised that I had "no future" there. I decided that I had to take a chance when I was still young. I resigned from my job, and then ventured to Brunei. But I couldn't find a job, so I ended up collecting rubbish for a while. It was later that I found a job as a clerk; took up distant-learning and about 4 years later earned a degree in Estate Management. It was hell working days and studying nights. I don't know how I did it!
On the other hand, my father-in-law was a government servant till he retired. He was very happy with his routine. Very orderly, very calm and all sorted out nicely since many, many years ago. Upon retirement, he had his EPF; reinvested it on a fixed deposit. And up to now still leading a very simple contented life. He is not rich — no. He never gambled, never travel, never drink liquor, never smoke. He never took a risk at all. And he is a happy man! I'm if he had to do it all over again, he will do it exactly the same way.
I would take a calculated risk of getting burnt to achieve greatness. But I wouldn't do it at the expense of others. I will try very, very hard NOT to steal from others; and if I can help it at all, I will give instead. That is the type of candle I want to be — the pathetic type.
Post a Comment