Listen.

To dr tan lai yong’s talk today really made me reconsider my purpose in pursuing the things in my so very short life. 

Sitting there watching the man speak was truly a wonderful experience. I’ve met other amazing and inspiring people before but this man, a Singporean and a follower of Christ really embodied a spirit that i really want to be able to identify with. 

15 years he spent in yunan china, even bringing his wife and kids along in those 15 years. “What for?” someone might ask, if you’re able to volunteer your services to treat the poor and needy here in Singapore. I guess some people say no to the easy decisions for the higher yes out there. Sji always emphasized servant leadership, being men for others and acting in faith, service and community. All this while, have i really considered how i’m to live out such values in my future? As an old boy who so passionately embraced the whole lasallian spirit and culture during camps and my time in school, would i have the resilience and tenacity to see it through for the rest of my life? 

I was just thinking to myself as i sat in the PAC while waiting for another keynote to begin: that if someone dies every second, it wouldn’t be just another heart that stops beating, but it would be a new wave of anguish crashing down on those who witness or learn of his passing - unexpected or not. Out of these deaths, how many more would have died living a dignified life or even be able to experience a proper burial? 

I dont know. 

I’m not the next Gandhi or Mother Teresa, but i know i can do better.