I just want to show Bel some kindness

Just a few hours ago, I gave my "Gas Man" a cash (or rather cheque) advance of RM300.00. He told me that his daughter was sitting for her CLP examinations and he was short of RM6800.00. What he did was, he sought help from all his 'regular clients' to see whether they could spare him the RM300.00 (per person) upfront, so he can pay for her exam fees first. In return, we, his clients, do not have to pay for the next 10 Gas Tongs that he delivers to us.

Since Gas is a necessity in the household anyway AND he has been with me for many years, I naturally agreed to help. I do not have plenty of money to part with, but for education sake, I was willing to give him the RM300 in advance.

What world do we live in when there are still some cynics out there who said I shouldn't have done that?

Don't get me wrong. I know they mean well. I have, afterall, 'lent' quite an amount of money to friends, family, colleagues and even strangers -- and sadly, I never see them repaying me. Not even acknowledging the fact that they owe me. Or paying me back bit by bit.
What hurts most is when I see them at events or they tweet about their shopping sprees. It's not about the amount lent, it's about the gesture of not repaying back..or being absolutely oblivious to it all that pains or triggers my annoyance.

Ouch.

Worst still is how this event company director who continues to ask for emcee quotations when he has not even paid for the first job I did with him 6 years ago!

How lah like that friend?

But despite not getting the money back, I will not lose hope on helping others when they need help. I am just a little bit smarter now -- some say, "you have to be cruel to be kind" - so by this mantra will I let them learn to manage their finances better. I hope. So no more lending money because I am in my own financial pickle. I mean, who isn't...right?

So for Gas Man and his daughter -- I shall pray that you will be able to collect that money in time for her exams. Who knows? If this (silly) court case that is being pursued by my former continues, and I can't pay for my legal fees no more - maybe Ms anak Gas Man can help me, hoh?

The act of kindness is something I want Bel to have. To not grow cynical and to love unconditionally.

I am now reminded of this country song I like to strum on my guitar:

YOU GOTTA TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS - GLEN CAMPBELL

If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and stay you're going the wrong way

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

Don't walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets