I was reading the papers earlier today, and I can't help but feel saddened over the series of happenings that are affecting so many over the world.
We have lost a fellow Singaporean to the Mumbai terror attacks. Our Thai neighbours are dealing with costly protests. In the meantime, jobs all over the world are at stake at a time where we all look forward to the joy and merry of X'mas and a new year.
It is true, isn't it? What goes up must come down. Relative to the good times we've had over 2006/07 onwards, this period is a time of mourning and sadness for many affected by the recent misfortunes.
However, the optimist in me can't help but marvel at the strength of human resilience, that no matter what, life goes on. I was reading about the Jewish rabbi and his wife who had been killed in a siege on Jewish Centre in Mumbai. They leave behind a 2-year old toddler, now in the safe care of his maternal grandparents. As we know it, the terror attacks not only affect the families of foreigners killed - many local Indians are also facing deaths and injuries of their loved ones.
In the grander scheme of things, this was exactly how it was supposed to happen. We never know how it ends eventually, but things happen, for better or for worse. What matters most is how we stand up once we fall, and learn from our mistakes. That the terror plot could have gone unnoticed have drawn criticism from many. We cannot take anything for granted. More importantly, the whole debacle reminded me of how we must live each day and make it count, as if it were our last.
My prayers and thoughts go out for our brothers and sisters grieving over their loss. In the comforting words of my favourite revolutionary icon Bob Marley, I believe that everything's gonna be alright.
It truly will.