Sacrifice and Sincerity

A few days ago, after attending an event in southern Jakarta, I went home with one of my friend.  On the way home, my friend suddenly realized that he had left her gadget at the venue. Then he called someone who at that time had not left the venue. We agreed to meet at one place in which my friend would give the gadget.

The distance between the meeting point and my friend’s home is far. He lives outside Jakarta.  The traffic jam at that time was also heavy. However, my friend didn’t mind taking the gadget. The gadget is very important because without it, many works could not be done.

For some people, that might only be a small story, something that was not extraordinary. However, For me, that is what I call sacrifice and sincerity. When you make a sacrifice, you are ready to give up or postpone serving your own interest for the sake of others. Sincerity means that you do something for others without expecting anything in return. Sacrifice and sincerity create a stronger bond among people and favorable climate in an organization.

Invitation

Last Sunday, our housekeeper’s daughter got married. The wedding ceremony was held in a small building on Pondok Pinang area.  The ceremony started at about 8 am.

Our housekeeper has been with our family since I was in elementary school.  Apparently, she loves our hospitality. She is a very responsible person, always makes sure that everything has been in place correctly.  For example, before leaving our home to go to her hometown At The Hari Raya, she always makes sure that she has already finished her duty.

A few days before the ceremony, she asked me personally to come to the event. The wedding venue is relatively accessible, meaning the location is not far and you do not have to change transportations for a couple of time.  Because of the location proximity and transportation accessibility, I was willing to come.

Another reason why I was willing to come to the event was that I wanted to give an appreciation for what she had done for us.  I did this despite the fact that I was only there for less than one hour.

Be Vigilant and Never Lose Faith

A few days ago, as usual, I went home from my office by a bus. As I nearly arrived at my destination, there were two street singers. I wanted to give them some money. So I took my wallet from my bag and opened it. However, I forgot to put my wallet back on my bag. I only realized that I left my wallet on the bus seat after I came out of the bus. But it was all too late. The bus had already passed through. So I lost my wallet, in which there were some money and an ID card in it.  Thank God I did not put any ATM in it. However, I had to make a new application to get a new ID card.

I felt devastated. However, I tried to learn my lessons. First, I have to be more vigilant. I must never take my wallet out of my bag unless I have to. I have to prepare my money to pay for the bus fee, buy some foods and drinks, etc. before I leave the building. Second, it has to do with the spirituality. I must not lose my faith to god, whatever happens.  I must never stop improving myself and always be kind to other people.

Win and Lose

I became the 1^st runner-up in two successive contests this year. Last year, I became the 1^st winner. I have to admit that the winner of contest this year has performed brilliantly. At the same time, I stuttered in my speech a couple of time. I congratulated the winner.

I felt a little bit disappointed after I lost. I think it is normal. However, I have to look at the future because there are agendas that I must deal with.  Besides, losing in a competition has taught me several things. First, nobody always wins. There are times he/she has to lose. If we always win, the world will no longer be an interesting place. Losing and winning occasionally contributes to the development of a civilization. Second, we must never stop learning. The world changes fast. New people with new ideas and ability always come. If we stop learning, we cannot be a better person. Third, we learn to manage our disappointment. I always have a warm conversation with my opponent after he beats me. By doing that, I find peace and serenity in my heart.