Compassion and envy

I believe those who have pets are certainly more compassionate than those without. Why did I say that? Each time, at a restaurant, we think of our 2 dogs and a cat whenever we are unable to finish the food. It might not be nice to some people, to ask for ‘doggie bag’ especially having known the joke about the request following that, ‘please add in some chili’ which becomes obvious who really want the leftovers!

In a country restaurant, we have even taken home fish head and spinal bone, having seen how our cat could tackle them. Our dogs are mongrels, and not pedigrees which require really proper food and attention. They love all kinds of bones, which are ‘no-no’ to those serious pet owners.

Each time I saw some foreign workers riding bicycles or walking along the roads, I would think of our years in UK. We were not different from them here, having limited allowances or salaries to spend. We have lugged heavy luggage when moving from one place to another, as well as carrying big and heavy items instead of using hired transport.

Even the locals in UK had to do tough jobs. I can still remember when we moved from a working class area to a slightly better area (almost middle class), a white kid offered to carry a dryer for a ‘fiver’! I can also remember how my father found so unbelievable seeing white men as rubbish collectors because in Malaysia, they were seen only as bosses or ‘Tuan’ in his time.

Focus on your blessings

Joan and Natty were two young mothers who lived across the street from each other. From their living room windows, each woman was able to observe the activities of the other woman's family.

One day, Joan confessed that she'd been watching what went on in Natty's front garden and that she envied her. I don't know what you mean, Natty said with puzzled look on her face.

Well, I often see your husband out in the front mowing your lawn, and I wish my husband would do the same thing, Joan said. Your garden is beautiful!

Natty laughed and then made her confession. I have been doing the same thing, Joan, she said. I watch your husband in your front garden - and I have envied you! Joan shook her head with disbelief. What on earth do you mean? She asked.

Natty replied, I see your husband playing ball with your toddler so nicely. How I wish Keith, my husband, would do the same thing! He never wants our boys in the way when he mows.

Be honest Joan. Would you rather have your husband play with your son than have a well-manicured lawn?

I had not thought of that before, but you're right, Natty. I may have tall grass, but Eric, my husband is right about playing with little Johnny, Joan concluded.

Very often we are blind to our own blessings that are so obvious to others. Let us cultivate the habit of concentrating on our blessings rather than brooding over what others seem to have.

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