Sugar Price Increase, Blessing in Disguise

Paul, a Christian leader who was a dynamic man who established many Christian communities in his time (he has since passed away), had this to say to Christians, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Giving thanks in all circumstances! Are you kidding me? It seems so difficult to do that. In some circumstances, yes la (when things are going well), but surely not when you have a sweet tooth! Surely not when you are one who adds an extra spoonful of that sugar rush into your coffee or tea!
Of course, nobody in their right mind will want to pay more for the same quantity - ever! But, then again, most of us are not in the position of dictate and determine the prices of sugar. And, most people tend to have a knee-jerk reaction to anything and everything that affects them negatively. In retaliation, grumbling and complaining becomes the most uncreative but most predictable way for any human being to respond.

Now, I've heard quite a few times now, in coffee shops around the city, where patrons would yell out to the waiter, "Kurang manis ah"! In English, it literally means, "reduce the sweetness". A more polished version would be, "Go easy on the sugar, bro!" Honestly, I think that's great! Imagine a growing grass-root movement of drinkers who will revolutionize the art of drinking coffee and tea! It's a low-sugar drive campaign! It's healthy! By the way, perhaps we should ask for a discount of 20 or 30 cents when we order our kopi-O with the healthy words, "kurang manis!"

So, we give thanks to God! It's a blessing in disguise! We are never helpless in such a situation. We can choose to respond in more healthy ways. Think of all the benefits - reduced risks of diabetes, less trips to the dentist for that sweet tooth decay, less mood swings triggered by the sugar rush in the blood stream, and perhaps, then we'll end up with a non-sugar induced smile on our faces.