Being VIPs

Recently, I attended a grand ceremony located at Royale Chulan Hotel, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur. We were required to gather there about 3 hours before the ceremony started to do the rehearsal.

When we were lining up to start the rehearsal, one of the committee members approached us. “We need 7 people to help us.” And so, without hesitating, people near her, including me, followed her into the hall (actually it is a ballroom according to its name). Others remained at their lines.

We had never thought that we were going to be the 'VIP'!

Credit: http://woffc.org/archives/764

As soon as we entered the hall, we were seated at the VIP's table. The table was so huge that only half of it was used for 7 people. I thought that maybe they did not want the VIPs to turn around to look at the stage, so they left the front side of the table empty. In front of each of us were the basic cutlery and plates and glasses. We also sneaked at the menu to find out our food for that event. Mmm.. Nasi Tomato, Ayam Masak Merah, Ikan Sweet Sour,... Besides, there were also appetizers and desserts, which are chicken soup and sagu(I think this was the most scrumptious food served there). Looks like we were going to have full stomachs!

After waiting for a few moments, the masters of ceremony(MC) began to speak. And suddenly, one of us was asked to go onto the stage. And then more and more of us. They were called Dato', Datin and so on. And what had surprised us is that they were escorted all the way from the floor to the stage. I was actually quite relieved. My friend and I, only two of us were not required to go onto the stage. We just had to sit back and watch them acting like VIPs. :P

Next, we had to follow the committee members to a special lounge. Wow, not only we were in one of the most luxurious hotel in Malaysia, we also had the chance to be in a room where most VIPs rest before the events begin. It was actually a small room with sofas and also coffee tables. The sofas were arranged as if they want the VIPs to talk to each other. Nothing more actually...

Then, we were required to go to the hall and rehearse with our fellow friends. They were already in the hall, and we had to pretend to be the VIPs in front of them! I felt like I want to laugh at that very moment when we stepped into the hall, but I tried to hold it. After the national song, we sat back on the chair. When one of my friend was called to give a speech(pretending as VIP), others suddenly laughed. Luckily, she could control her emotions up there. :D However, suddenly, the committee were confused. I had to go onto the stage to give certificates to others. Luckily, no one was laughing.

And.... that's all about my experience about being the VIPs for a few minutes.

But, what's the point of telling this stories?

Most people want to be the VIPs as they want to be escorted all the time and many other reasons. However, one thing you should think. The VIPs are not all about feeling grand. They have to do their JOBS and AMANAH. They own bigger RESPONSIBILITIES. They have much more WORKS. Truly, it's not easy to be like them.

A great leader leads others to the right path!
Credit: http://www.wheel.ie/leadership

However, I am not saying that you should not be the leaders or VIPs. Yet, we have to be prepared to lead others and not just think about the rewards we are going to get.

ONE IS THE LEADER OF ONESELF

All of us are khalifah! We have to make this world a proper place to live, we have to practice Islam all the time, we have to bring others to enter the Jannah with us, to be the best among human beings.

“You are not the true believers until you love others just like you love yourselves”

Let's enter Jannah together!
Credit: http://www.clipartpanda.com/categories/group-of-girl-friends-clipart

So, let's be the best leader without hoping for rewards!