A few days ago, I walked into a restaurant hoping to pick up five pieces of freshly made Indian-styled bread in a jiffy. I placed my order with the man behind the cashier and headed straight to the counter where a young girl was doing the packing. I noticed a pile of cooked bread ready for customers; they were still warm and most likely had been left there for the past half hour.

I asked for two types of curries (to go with the bread) and repeated my order of five pieces of bread to her. Behind the huge hot plate, a cook was flipping six pieces of well done bread. My eyes were drawn to the cook as he piled the six pieces by the side; silently hoping they were meant for me.

Just then, the owner came over to help. He reached out for the the warm bread. When the girl finished packing the curries, she asked in surprise why I hadn’t asked for the freshly cooked bread. It dawned on me that the man had packed the bread for me and not for another customer who had come earlier. I turned to the man but he gestured my order was already packed.

In that split of a second, I debated whether I should ask for the fresh bread.

I did have a choice: ask for the best (i.e. the freshly cooked steaming hot bread) or settle for second best (i.e. warm bread). I accepted his offer and while waiting for my change, I learnt one of the most important lessons in my life: what I give is what I receive.

Had I been giving my best all the time?

If I expect to be given the best (without having to ask for it), I ought to ensure I give my best; in whatever work I do, whatever service I render and whatever words I speak.

Since that moment, I have been keeping tabs on my actions. Honestly, it hasn’t been easy. However, whenever I caught myself trying to cut corners or justifying half-hearted efforts, I remembered my second-best bread.

It is also the same with parenting. Have I been doing my best as a role model for my children? It isn’t about achieving perfection, rather the energy behind the efforts. Instead of making any judgements about my children’s work, both my husband and I guide and encourage them to do their best. Their efforts are applauded and appreciated. I can see this means much more to my children.