As Time Goes By

today I had the good fortune of having lunch with my fellow District Governor, SG Chin, who served as my counter-part in district 308, covering Singapore, Southern Peninsula Malaysia, East Malaysia and Brunei, during the year of 1996/97.

Since the day we were elected as DGs for our respective districts which were within the same Multiple District 308, we have had a strong relationship serving together. We have great satisfaction as both of us were, from feedback, serving very well during our term. Personally, we found much similarities in both of us and a strong bond was thus, built. Since then, we have kept in touch and shared views and experiences.

While having lunch (I took to to one of the best Yong Tau Foo, his favourite, in Kepong), it suddently dawned on us that we were advancing in our age, SG was nearing 70 while I was nearing my 60th birthday. We were philosophical that all of us will have to go one day. Thus, it was important that we should do whatever we love and can do while we still can. It so happened that both of us believing that the best thing we can do is to contribute our talent and time to service through our Lions Clubs.

We also had time to remineise on our time as District Governors and how things have changed over the years. How the newer generation of leaders do things which seem to be different from the way we were used to. But then, it is their turn to lead and it would be they who would earn the respect if they perform well or get the blame, if they don't. The responsibility fall on their shoulders and thus, they must ensure that they understand the way their members think and look for at the current moment. Never easy to lead, but as long as sincerity of purpose is there, we won't should be able to sail through successfully. Our focus should always be on our members'
desire and needs. After all, we are servant leaders with plenty of responsibility and very little authority. Influence and persuasion are our tools as the position has no real power in a voluntary service organization.

We also shared our admiration of our Past International Director, Douglas Lee, who despite of his 85 years of age, continues to be strong and still moving about. We felt that if we keep ourselves active and sustain our level of exercise daily, we should be able to share experience of living a longer and healthier life.

By the way, SG lover the Yong Tau Foo, especially the white tau foo. He loved the soup too and commented that it was one of the best he has tasted. He specially loved the "sayor manis." Afte the food, I took him to one of KL's best "tong sui" in Kepong Baru. Again, he enjoyed himself on the sweet potato tong sui. While having the tong sui, his mobile phone rang. It was Lely. Time was up and sent him back to the hotel.

How time really passed us by so very quickly.

As I was driving home, I thought to myself, that we must really live our lives as best as we can while we still can. Never know what will happen. Do all the good that we can do and when we are gone, at least, we will be remembered, hopefully, for the little good that we have contributed to this much abused world.

I pass this world but once. I will not pass this way again. Thus, any good that I can do, let me do it now. Good night.