As I enjoyed a musical production on the life of Lee Kwan Yew, I found myself remembering the historical references from the perspective of a young boy listening to his father followed by life as a young teenager living in the middle of the birth of a nation. In addition to the memories of the larger community, I was inundated with memories of friends and family some who are no longer with us.
The musical was a great way to kick off a 50th birthday weekend for a country that owes much to a man, friends that worked with him, and the sacrifices and risks taken along the way. While I am confident that celebration will be one to remember, I am also reminiscent.
Singapore is a great place to live. For all of its challenges, cost of living along with some of the challenges that comes from being young, small, and potentially vulnerable, I along with many others say to those that are here; “How blessed they are to live and sing there!” (Psalm 84.4)
Singapore has challenges even though it is clean, beautiful, and relatively orderly. Human relationships are fragile in every setting. Taking care, nurturing them, and repairing the outcomes from unintended consequences (as well as bad choices) is required even in a show case garden city.
Singapore is, for me, a reminder to pay attention to life as it unfolds. I was here when great events were unfolding. Speeches, riots, votes that changed the course of history all occurred during my days here, yet I did not always see or experience the impact in the moment. I was consumed by the angst of getting through my teenage years. In the process, I missed events and experiences I wished for now.
Singapore also reminds me that whatever the past was, the question that we cannot run away from is the moment we have. What will we do? Do our aspirations reflect our highest values? Will we take yesterday’s learnings and use them to reach higher and farther?
Now is a time of celebration!
