10:30PM It’s my favorite time of the day—late at night, after a long but fulfilling weekend.
Today is March 3rd. Time flies. We just spent three full days away from JB, and now we’re finally back home.
First and foremost, I thank God for bringing us back safely.
This trip was special. It was the first time in a long while that my wife traveled with me. Ever since she got pregnant, she hasn’t been traveling much.
But this time, she had a mission—her presence allowed her younger sister, Wendy, to travel with us to KL. This wasn’t just a trip; it was an effort to bring family together.
The coordination was tough, but it was worth it.
Embracing Uncertainty Minimise Frustration
Up until Friday, we still hadn’t decided from my wife’s side:
- Would she be traveling?
- Would the kids join us?
- Would we go to Genting together?
Before, this kind of uncertainty would have stressed us out and led to arguments.
But this time, we stayed calm.
Instead of forcing a fixed plan, we accepted uncertainty.
We had Plan B, Plan C—we stayed flexible. But one thing didn’t change: No matter what, we would make the best of the situation together.
Wisdom in Unexpected Conversations
Our trip on Saturday started early—6 AM, traveling to Muar with the leadership team for training. Then we continued to KL.
One of the highlights was spending time with our trainer, Assoc. Prof. Tou Boon. The official training was insightful, but I gained just as much wisdom from our car ride conversations.
The difference?
- In training, it was structured learning.
- In private conversation, I understood his deeper thoughts—why he teaches certain things, how he chooses his words.
Originally, he was supposed to take a bus home. But since I was heading to KL anyway, I offered to drop him off personally—door-to-door service.
That ride gave me a rare opportunity to learn from him in a way that a formal session never could. Some of the best wisdom comes when we least expect it.
That night, after sending him home, I had dinner with my mentor, Dato Peter, together with my wife, Wendy, Samuel’s wife, and all the kids.
Pulling together three different women, three different personalities, and two families into one dinner—it was a challenge.
But that’s life, isn’t it?
- We don’t exist to avoid trouble.
- We exist to embrace it, to navigate it, to grow through it.
The Purpose Behind Every Change
Lately, I’ve been thinking about purposeful change—especially when it comes to family decisions.
Take something as simple as buying a car.
With four kids (three boys + one on the way), our current saloon car isn’t going to cut it much longer.
For now, they can all squeeze in the backseat. But soon, they’ll outgrow it. Do we upgrade to an SUV or MPV?
- SUV: More practical for daily use, still fits the family.
- MPV: Spacious, but feels like driving a van daily.
It’s not just about convenience—it’s about serving our family’s needs.
Some families ride a motorbike with two parents, three kids, and an infant squeezed in between. It works, but is it ideal? Safe?
- Every big decision comes with cost—money, time, effort.
- But the right changes happen not for convenience, but for purpose.
For me, that purpose is clear:
- Family – Creating the best environment for them to grow.
- Community – Building deeper, lasting relationships.
- Life Impact – Leaving a legacy beyond myself.
Yes, change is troublesome. But avoiding change just because it’s inconvenient? That’s not how I want to live.
A Weekend of Meaningful Moments
Looking back, this weekend was worth every moment.
After dinner with Dato Peter, my family went back to rest. But my day wasn’t over—I stayed back for a private conversation with Dato Peter. These are the moments I truly appreciate—deep talks that shape my thinking.
Then, to end the night, we had a late-night basketball game. We played three or four rounds.
In the final game, we were losing badly—15-3.
But we fought back, point by point. 19-19.
Final score: 21-19. We won.
There’s something powerful about pushing through, even when you’re losing. A lesson in resilience, even in a simple game.
After getting home at midnight and sleeping at 2 AM, Sunday was another full day.
- Morning: Breakfast with Hedki, Dato Peter, Samuel, and a new friend from Canada, followed by Sunday Celebrations.
- Discovered a powerful joint cream—research shows our bodies lack copper, which made me think of my mom’s knee issues. Bought it instantly.
- Lunch: Discussion with Dr. Jimmy, president of BNP Ministries, updating him on our work in JB.
- Afternoon: Putting kids to sleep and had a conversation with another church leader, exchanging ideas.
- Evening: Took the family to Genting for a relaxing trip.
At one point, we played a game in the car called “If… then…” to teach the kids about consequences:
Example:
- ❌ “If we go to Genting, then we will be safe.” (Wrong—it’s not automatic.)
- ✅ “If we travel safely, then we will reach Genting safely.”
Another example:
- ❌ “If my brother shares with me, then we won’t fight.”
- ✅ “If I behave as a good brother, then my brother will be more likely to share with me.”
It’s a small game, but it teaches cause and effect, responsibility, and critical thinking.
Even the simplest conversations can be life lessons.
Perspective Shapes Reality
One key takeaway from my mentor, Dato Peter:
Years ago, he almost moved to Canada because he loved how warm and welcoming the people were.
I told him, “But Malaysia is warm too! People here are friendly!”
He smiled and said:
“Daniel, that’s because your perspective has changed. Years ago, you used to say Malaysians were cold and reserved. But now, because you have changed—because you welcome and serve people—you see them differently.”
That hit me.
The world hasn’t changed. But when we change, the way we see the world does too.
Final Thoughts: A Life That Leaves an Impact
- We laughed.
- We built memories.
- We strengthened relationships.
Someone once said:
“It’s not the number of years in life that matters, but the impact those years leave behind.”
Life is short. But impact can last forever.
What will your life’s impact be?
Key Takeaways
- Stay flexible – Don’t let uncertainty steal your peace.
- Purpose over convenience – Change isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
- Perspective is everything – The world looks different when you change.
- Moments matter – Live fully, impact deeply.
🔥 Live a life that outlives you.
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