Hi
everyone,
As we
bid farewell to 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect. How was the year for you?
Did it bring triumphs, challenges, or simply the calmness of another chapter
lived?
For me
and my wife, 2024 was a year of simplicity and gratitude. Our total expenditure
for the year was RM 42,141.14—an average of RM 3,511.76 per month. With that,
we lived comfortably, carrying no burdens of unnecessary materialism. Some
might wonder how. The answer lies in embracing a life guided by humility,
wisdom, and spiritual contentment.
From my
university days, I learned to value life not by its luxuries but by the
richness of experiences and the truths imparted by mentors. Even during my
postgraduate years in England, I viewed my scholarships not as mere financial
aid but as a form of sustenance to support my learning. My “job” was simple:
absorb knowledge shared by brilliant professors and return those truths during
exams. It was a humble journey, but one that fulfilled both my needs and my
soul.
As
human beings, we often forget that our time on Earth is fleeting—a tiny speck
in a vast universe spanning 93 billion light-years and housing uncountable
worlds. And yet, we chase after material possessions, believing they will bring
us happiness or permanence.
But
let’s pause and consider: What do we truly need to live a meaningful life? The
answer is surprisingly simple:
- Air to breathe – A gift from God, free for all.
- Water – For drinking, cleansing, and sustaining
life.
- Simple food – To nourish our bodies.
- Shelter – A small, safe space to rest and
rejuvenate.
- Clothing – For protection and dignity.
- A mind to reason – A priceless tool for reflection
and growth.
- A soul given by God – The eternal essence that
transcends our physical existence.
Everything
else—whether it’s the latest gadgets, luxury items, or excessive
possessions—merely adds weight to our lives, burdens that cannot follow us into
the grave.
In
2024, we said goodbye to many notable figures—individuals who once held wealth,
power, and fame. Their journeys remind us of a profound truth: when we leave
this world, we take nothing with us except the state of our soul.
Consider
the recent Jeju Air disaster, where 179 lives were lost in an instant. It’s a
stark reminder of how unpredictable life is. In the end, it’s not the material
things we’ve gathered that matter, but the legacy we leave behind—the love
we’ve shared, the kindness we’ve shown, and the wisdom we’ve imparted.
As we
step into 2025, let us live wisely, embrace simplicity, and cherish the gifts
that truly matter. Let’s count our days not in terms of material gains but in
moments of joy, gratitude, and purpose.
“So
teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm
90:12).
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Wishing
you all a New Year filled with peace, purpose, and the wisdom to live
meaningfully. Let us journey through 2025 with lighter hearts, free from
unnecessary burdens, and richer in spirit.
Warm
regards,
jb lim
No comments:
Post a Comment