When you live by numbers

Yesterday evening, I was taking a "stroll" among the street where my office is located. Along the street because it was drizzling, I had meant to go to the waterfront for a walk before my night duty began.

Along the street, there is a shop selling "numbers". As usual, the queue stretched to the walkway. Two of my young sweet journalists were also there. Later, one said, "Boss, this is the first time I buy a number."

Do you live by "numbers"?

Many years ago, I noted this news in my blog and it still saddened me today:

SHE was among the hundreds of Singaporeans who showed up at (name)’s funeral last week.

The housewife, who wanted to be known only as Mrs Tan, openly confessed to The New Paper on Sunday that she was hoping to strike 4-D after attending the funeral.

From the deceased's age to the number of people who carried her coffin to the number plate of the vehicle that ferried her coffin, Mrs Tan kept a lookout for numbers at the funeral.

‘When I read about how some people struck 4-D after they attended (another deceased)’s funeral, I was very envious. So this time I made an effort to go to (name of deceased)’s funeral,’ said the 55-year-old housewife in Mandarin.

‘People won’t talk openly about the numbers that they’ve spotted. You need to look around discreetly and you will know that there are numbers everywhere.

‘You can get your inspiration from counting the number of wreaths and blankets at the funeral.’

Doesn’t she feel bad about trying to strike it rich from someone’s death?

Her answer is NO!

Yes, when you live by numbers, you see numbers everywhere. You treat others as numbers, and you also treat yourself as numbers. You have forgotten that you come this world to love and be loved!

How wonderful it is to think that we have all been created for a purpose!
We have not come into the world to be a number;
we have been created for a purpose, for great things:
To love and be loved. – Mother Teresa