How We Finish

Once upon a time there was a girl named Jun who does biomedical research on stomach cancer in Melbourne, Australia. Although her demeanor was calm and demure, she exudes this quiet confidence that is impossible to miss and caught the attention of a man called Ken. He was mesmerized, granted there were other women in the room but Jun was the only one he saw. It was love at first sight when they met at a weekly church community cell group meeting. But Jun can’t vouch that she shared the same experience.

There was a famous sayings by a famous poet, Atticus Poetry, “There were magnets in my bones for that iron in her blood.” This accurately describes how Ken felt that moment when he laid eyes on Jun. The infatuation was so real for Ken. He knew he couldn’t let this moment pass him by. This kind of rendezvous simply doesn't happen all the time. So he built up the courage, and told himself, “Before the night ends, I must make a move and talk to her. So help me God!”

He must have planned an elaborate plan in his mind of how he was going to approach her and how awesome it was gonna go. He tried to contain his excitement to the best of his abilities. But the moment Ken found out Jun does biomedical research in stomach cancer; he was even more captivated that led to the nonstop interrogation to Jun that made Jun slightly uncomfortable.

I do believe we only get one chance at a first impression. However, I also believe that second chances are available to those who sincerely hope, love and grinds for what they believe in. And eventually our moment to shine will come. Ken believed that Jun was the one for him. So he pressed on. He would show up at future gatherings, hung out with mutual friends. As time went by, Jun realized that Ken was an awesome guy himself. His great sense of humor, patience and empathetic side slowly but surely won her over.

So when exactly was the moment of breakthrough for Ken and Jun? The answer is: there wasn't just a single moment. It was every single time that Ken made the best of every opportunity that came his way.

Sometimes people put so much weight and pressure on creating the perfect first impression. But we must not forget: it is not how we start that's most important, it is how we finish. And we mustn’t let a single moment determine our future.