LIFE’S UNEXPECTED PATHS : A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND LEADERSHIP

THE HIDDEN PURPOSE OF LIFE’S MOMENTS

Every one of us has experienced incredible or seemingly unbelievable moments in life. Sometimes we attribute them to “mere luck” or perhaps God’s blessing. At times, we simply cannot explain how or why they happened. Surely, there must be reasons beyond our understanding.

There is also reason to believe that after facing various adversities in life, God shows His unconditional love in ways we may not immediately recognise. These moments enlighten our days and make our journey smoother than we expected.

Do you believe in divine intervention? It is certainly a subjective topic that can open many conflicting views — whether such moments truly happen, whether they are merely coincidences or whether we can say they are fated.

I truly believe that throughout my 33 years of teaching, I have witnessed many situations turn out far better than I ever anticipated, even when all I did was pray for the best. Sometimes, the hardships of yesterday are meant to prepare us for the years ahead, building a stronger foundation for greater success.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES, GREATER DESTINATIONS

When I began Form 6 in 1981, I was invited to attend an interview for admission into the Teacher’s Training College (TTC). My late father took me to the interview, earnestly hoping that I would receive an offer. I knew then, entering the college was the most realistic option because both my parents would not have the financial means if I were to pursue university after Sixth Form.

Unfortunately, I was not accepted into the college. Though disappointed, I continued my Sixth Form with determination, hoping to secure a place at a university. In 1983, I was offered a place to pursue Bachelor of Economics at the University of Malaya and eventually I chose the path of education. I believe this path — quietly arranged by God — prepared me for a career that was truly meant for me.

If I had gone to TTC, I might have ended up as a non-graduate teacher with a lower grade and it would probably have taken me a longer route to become a school leader. In a way, I should be grateful that I was not accepted into TTC, because perhaps God was sending me a message — that I was meant to pursue my studies at a university.

UNEXPECTED JOURNEYS, GUIDED BY GOD

When I was staying in a boarding school during my Sixth Form, my friends and I would play “fortune telling” during our study breaks. One of them claimed she could read palms and predict our future. We were never sure whether she was serious or just joking. I still remember vividly when she looked at my palm and said, “You will one day fly overseas..…”. In my heart, I whispered, “How could I ever have the chance or financial ability to fly overseas? That’s never going to happen.”

Yet her words came true in an unexpected way. When I was offered a teaching post in East Malaysia, I had to fly across the South China Sea. It wasn’t a foreign country, but it was still a journey far from home — one I never imagined for myself. I began my career in Sabah and it was also there that I ended my career with a blessed and content heart. Life is so unpredictable and yet everything unfolded exactly as God had planned for me.

RELUCTANT STEPS TOWARD LEADERSHIP

In 2002, while I was serving as an Acting Principal, an officer from the District Education Office contacted me and asked me to submit an application for the School Principal post. My immediate response was, “I’m not interested.”

She explained that it was her responsibility to ensure that all eligible Senior Assistants submitted their applications. She urged me to apply even if I had no intention of taking the job, saying, “Cikgu mohon sahaja. Dapat atau tak dapat, itu cerita lain.” The next day, she faxed me a lengthy application form and instructed me to complete and return it within three days.

Since I wasn’t enthusiastic about it, I reluctantly filled in the form and managed to attach only a few supporting documents due to the short timeframe. I wasn’t concerned about the incomplete submission because, to be honest, I was hoping I would not be selected.

A year later, to my surprise, I was offered the position of School Principal. I found it almost unbelievable, considering how incomplete my application had been. Amused and puzzled, I could only conclude that it must have been God’s will — perhaps a sign that I needed to embrace the challenge.

During my 22 months as Acting Principal, I often felt awkward and uncertain, as the school had been without a Principal for such a long period. Inevitably, I had to shoulder the responsibilities and face numerous challenges. Looking back, if I were to ask myself why I was entrusted with the role for 22 months, I believe it was God’s way of preparing me, shaping me and gently telling me that one day I would rightfully helm the post of School Principal.

SMOOTH PATHS IN UNSEEN HANDS

Throughout my career progression, I have encountered many unexplained events that eventually led me to better opportunities. When I was promoted to a principalship at a school located far from my home, I hesitated at first. Surprisingly, the principal who had been posted to my school happened to come from the very district I was supposed to move to. In the end, we agreed to a mutual transfer. Four months later, I returned to my own district — relieving me of much worry and difficulty.

Throughout my career, I went through three transfers which I applied for on my own. Each one was smooth and hassle-free, without any rejections or the need for appeals. I am truly grateful that my requests were granted so easily. And to be clear, I never used any connections or “cables” to secure those transfers. How else could they have happened so seamlessly, if not through God’s intervention?

Even during the challenges I faced throughout my principalship, God was always there to show me the light. In moments when decisions felt overwhelming, I often found clarity and calmness that could only come from a greater strength beyond myself. And whenever I felt discouraged, unexpected guidance or support would appear, reminding me that I was never walking the journey alone.

# to be continued