Loon Seng Chee, Today Online 26 Dec 07;
THE economy has been roaring forward for a while, and many people are receiving their richly deserved rewards, the fruits of their labour. It is also that time of the year when we see frenetic shopping, even beyond our normal feverish pace.
We find new means and ways to enjoy that bonus, either on consumer goods, a holiday or a sumptuous meal.
In itself there is nothing wrong at all. People watching the economy will be rubbing their hands in glee. However, when the dust settles, we are left with a pile of gifts, a stack of bills and the inexorable push to earn more, to make up the amount we just spent. And the cycle of accumulation of material goods continues.
But what if we put these priorities aside for a moment and ponder, what if that branded watch, the new hi-fi or the new model of car did not matter so much? Can we live with what we already own? And to move on to the next paradigm shift, does someone need the money more than me?
Not everyone has benefited from the upturn in our financial fortunes. Some have been left behind, or the bonus simply did not materialise for others. While our salaries have gone up, so have our expenses. In the bright light of success, we often forget the shadow cast on our less fortunate brethren in Singapore and elsewhere.
What can we do? One of the greatest acts of kindness is self-sacrifice. No, we need not give up our homes or cars, just put aside that money we were going to splash on some new gadget, and put it to good use. Help a neighbour, a friend or — better yet — a stranger.
I recall seeing women collecting cans from hawker centres or dragging large bundles of cardboard boxes late in the night. We cannot call ourselves developed or cultured when our grandmothers are out on the streets labouring away into the wee hours.
Showing kindness and grace can also come in the form of just being there for someone, or displaying warmth towards people whom we might otherwise ignore.
When was the last time you said "How are you?" and meant it? Have you ever sat down with a person whose brow is furrowed with worry, and really listened to his problems? Sometimes they do not need material help, just a listening ear and a kind word.
Our nation has come a long way in progressing from a rustic backwater colonial port state to a thriving, vibrant economy. The buzzword is competitiveness and progress.
Yet, can't we retain basic decency and human qualities at the same time?
This year, let us extend ourselves, go beyond thronging the malls, open our hearts, minds and wallets to others and show them the true meaning of this festive season.
