Written by: Dr. Ng Wai Sheng
Picture by: Ain & Ika (Photographer)
Recently we had a birthday celebration at Growing Space. It was a very fun day… with lotsa food and balloons and laughters among our staff members!
What amazed me most was how many hidden talents we discovered about each staff member! We have Ain and Ira who are great in decorating work. We discovered how cheeky Ain can be and how she cracks everyone up with the way that she “disturbs” Ira, who enjoys “fighting” with Ain and the two together makes a happy comedy! :P
Then, there is May, who showcased her wonderful artistic skills like the Malaysian version of Martha Stewart! She baked a yummy brownie cake, topped with lovely fresh flowers from her own garden. She also did a simple yet elegant flower arrangement with small white and purple flowers in a glass bottle that looked like a recycled antique coca-cola or vinegar bottle… haha! And as if she has unlimited time, she even cut up some fresh fruits to ensure we all have our vitamins that day! :)
Last but not least, Alicia, the mastermind behind all these fun… Normally shy and reserved, Alicia took a bold step and WOW us with her excellent organization skills! She literally executed the plan to the dot, ensuring all details being thoroughly covered (both figuratively AND literally!). Under her leadership, she mustered everyone’s strengths and assets, and got everyone to work together…while keeping it a secret for 2 weeks!! The best part was, everyone enjoyed contributing and putting the party together, including the birthday girl who did not mind at all being tricked to attend the surprised party! Maybe that’s how cult leaders are born… hahahaha! :P
That day, I must be the happiest person to be fooled… I was humbled by the power of community, and it is this: I am not the smartest and the strongest to do everything! Rather, I belong to a very gifted and generous community who, in fact, is smarter and stronger than me in many ways, when they are given the opportunity to shine…. And that’s what community is about! That we can learn to discover, appreciate and lean on each other, where our respective strengths are. And where there is shadow in community life, the light shines even brighter still, if we are willing to be patient and courageous to look to the light again…
Friends, who can be your community to celebrate today? :)