Contributed by Darren Lim • Sep 30, 2025
This week’s sermon point that “authentic Christianity is naturally visible and attractive” reminded me of something that happened freshly at the office on Friday, just before clocking off for the weekend. A colleague sitting at the open cubicle behind me returned to her desk clutching – one on each hand – two medium-sized soft toys of Stitch. She was excitedly telling another colleague what she was going to use it for and also that another colleague, who shall be known as Emily, had given it to her. Emily had stepped away at that point to take an online meeting but after finishing her call, she too joined our little impromptu conversation which by that time, had gathered four including myself. Emily explained that she spends her idle or waiting time playing the claw machine and that she always manages to get another soft toy. She had a knack for knowing when and how to grab them. She could “feel” when it was just the right condition and positioning to grab the soft toy of her choosing.
Her exceptional talent was not the most amazing thing. What was even more astonishing was what she did with her prize afterwards. Though she loved the challenge of grabbing the goodies in the claw machine, soft toys were not her fancy. So she freely gives them away. Emily was relating that on one occasion she offered to return the toys to the vending owner who refused and asked if she wanted a bag to carry all her winnings. She now packs them into plastic tubes before hand carrying them to orphanages or giving some to those around her – bringing joy and delight to others.
Emily is a Christian and her simple generosity created ripples of joy and encouragement to those around her. While she may not think much of her talent, her generosity has gone a long way to flavour and brighten the atmosphere around her. Her little act of kindness certainly broke the ice around colleagues who were little better than strangers. I got to know the colleague sitting just beside me when she got drawn into our conversation as well. (Yes, yes, I do not know my neighbour but one can’t be blamed when most of us were all the time busy taking online calls). It created a feel-good vibe that was a wonderful way to end on a high note after what was a truly exhausting week. It certainly encourages me to be salt and light in my own little way to those around me.