Switching On the Sun

At this point in my life, it would be nice to get some 'R and R'. Celebrating four decades of existence through some breather from all the toiling throughout the years is what I seek and what will continually be sought after. Having reached this age, anyone would most likely envision being in a stress-free situation. However, that would most likely contend with and allow us to realize still the purpose of our being. For a while there, you’d also reflect back on the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘what-would-have-beens’ as much as what you have accomplished so far that of which somehow molded your essence and probably determine who you will further be. It would be hypocritical of me to deny that I’m not aspiring for the finer things in life. I want ‘this’, I want ‘that’… too many of ‘those’ actually… There’s no need to elaborate on what those are if only to point out the difference between the ‘wants’ from the ‘needs’; the necessities from priorities as much as the luxuries from what’s really...

5 days to go… Sensing little time left before Christmas, one is time-pressed to rather complete the season’s requisites. Other than the thought of what to serve for a Christmas feast, gift-giving remains to be one if not the most joyful observed custom. It is after all an expression of what Christmas is all about – Giving. Thus, people are keen on conveying momentous bounty this time of the year. Speaking of which, whatever it is that’s given is secondary compared to the generosity behind it. If such gesture though is carried out just to express “giving” sans sincerity, it defeats the purpose. “It’s the thought that counts” is not to be believed as conscientious of the idea of giving but the consideration of what could possibly be either appreciated or needed – that’s thoughtful liberality as opposed to “as long as I’ve given something”. On the other hand, recipients have to be more thankful of the thought regardless of what it is (unless perhaps it was mockingly given to elicit disgus...

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” is a line from Matthew 6: 2-4 that's remindful of humility. Literally though, in getting some work done, coordination between both hands with pairs of others rather clasps the idea of others’ testament of your deed instead. We had our hands full setting up a “trade” showcase to be awarded to a recipient for a politician’s generous cause of which we co-sponsored. In the midst of the rush not to unveil the surprise, a right hand from that of a public servant reached out for an acknowledging hand shake as we became subject of lenses worthy of media hype. Smile? Click! Click! Click! Click! Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!   As the program progressed, more cameras rolled and clicked for documentation (err) publicity. Politicians abounded. True to their words (oops) style, they delivered their speeches with conviction BUT modesty… “Oh don’t you just admire them for their knack for subtle bragging? ...