蔚藍天空 QueenieSky

Winter is gradually leaving and we’re all eagerly awaiting the return of spring. The continual cycle of the seasons is an invariable and dependable part of nature. No matter how bitterly cold the winter, we can always count on spring to blanket the ground with budding flowers. Regardless of the oppressiveness of summer heat, we know autumn will refresh with cool winds. Changes in nature are not only beautiful and amazing but they also often reveal a profound truth to those who take the time to notice.

I once saw a sunrise when I was on a flight. It’s true what they say: The night is always darkest before the dawn. Before the sun rose murky black covered everything. But then the skies brightened with a dazzling rainbow of color and then the sun began to appear. The beauty of the rising sun was unforgettable. The event, though, meant more to me than seeing the mere magnificence of the birth of a new day. I actually found encouragement there. While challenges are a part of existence, as long as one patiently perseveres through the bleakest moments, the night will give way to a morning of hope and light. Like the moon and stars that are illuminated at night, we can shine through adversity.

When the weather is nice I like to take walks through the park to see the signs of the seasons changing. Every spring the sight of sprigs of new leaves budding on the trees fills me with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The German theologian Martin Luther once said, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” Each blossoming flower, each blade of grass, each thriving leaf has its own reason and purpose for living.

I also enjoy strolls on the beach. Seeing the wide expanse of the sky and the unending horizon lifts my mood and cheers my spirits. I like watching floating clouds in the sky, each with their own unique shape, because they inspire my creativity and desire to live with infinite possibilities. Sometimes when the ocean breeze blows gently it reminds me that if I believe I will see. Just like the seeds of flowers that scatter in the spring wind, we don’t know where they will necessarily land yet they find the place they were destined, take root and blossom.

On wet days I’m also thankful because the rains nourish the ground and purify the air. Even when there are tears I can be assured that clear skies will come. Sometimes after the rain we can even be delighted by rainbows in the sky!

Nature is spectacular and its wonders are innumerable. May we all learn to recognize and appreciate its creativity, power and the lessons we can glean from it.

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English Translation by Haymen Leong

中文原文

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Originally posted on the Amira Culture website

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My other articles on Amira Culture:

活出最美好的一年 Make It Your Best Year

愛從小事開始 Love Begins with the Small Things

整然有序 Put First Thing First

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Once, when I used to work as a reporter, I wrote a Valentine’s Day edition article on people’s attitudes and experiences of love. I interviewed a variety of celebrities and, interestingly, many of them agreed with each other unknowingly that most of their unforgettable moments came not from major events or important days, but from the small things that happened in their daily lives.

Just like the personalities I talked to, I’ve found that many touching moments in my life have come from the course of everyday life. Love and meaning can be found in even the most seemingly mundane things. The care of family members, the company and prayers of friends are not insignificant things because, at least to me, they allow me to feel the warmth of love.

I’ve also learned that love can pop up unexpectedly, in ways that I cannot forget. When I was in high school I lost some magazines that were precious to me. When I called my best friend to tell her she abruptly hung up on me. It wasn’t until the next day that I realized why she didn’t seem to care: After our brief conversation she went out alone to try to find what I had lost. Looking back, the magazines are no longer important. But today I cannot forget the effort my friend put out for me.

Another time, at a bus stop, I met a petite young mother with her newborn. After some small talk she told me she was on her way to the beach so that her baby would have a break from the pollution in the city. The mother looked frail to me and encumbered by the big stroller she had to push, but she was willing to take the long bus ride out so her baby could get a few breaths of fresh air. It was a beautiful picture of love to me.

Heidi Baker, an American missionary based in Africa, lives by a great adage: “Stop for the one.” Amid her busy schedule, Baker endeavors to wholeheartedly follow the example of Jesus by stopping to show love to every child she meets, to remind them that someone cares for them.

Love starts from the smallest acts. A smile, a caring word or nod of the head can ignite the spark. As Mother Theresa used to tell her helpers, “Don’t look for big things; just do small things with great love . . . The smaller the thing, the greater must be our love.” We might not all be able to do momentous earth-shattering feats but all of us, in our own ways, can certainly do something with love and a genuine heart for others.

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English Translation by Haymen Leong

中文原文

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Originally posted on the Amira Culture website

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My other articles on Amira Culture:

大自然的奧妙和啟示 The Wonder and Lessons of Nature

活出最美好的一年 Make It Your Best Year

整然有序 Put First Thing First

SaveSave

SaveSave

Happy New Year!

As we’ve just entered a new year let me first wish everyone a happy new year!

Ever since my sophomore year of high school teachers have emphasized to me the importance of setting New Year’s resolutions. As a result, I’ve developed a regular habit of drafting a list of goals each January to lay out an annual plan.

Setting New Year’s resolutions can be a daunting task because of the disappointment that comes with realizing you haven’t been able to do everything you originally wanted. But I see it differently. By year’s end, even if I was able to accomplish some of what I hoped to do, I still feel a tremendous sense of delight. Just knowing that I tried to make the most of my time is very rewarding.

Making goals and striving to complete them is important. I’ve heard countless successful people say that having a plan doesn’t guarantee success, but it’s impossible to succeed without a plan.

How does one go about setting goals? Before deciding anything, I think it’s important first to know for yourself what the meaning of life is and to understand what you hope to do with your life. What is meaningful in life and what is worthwhile? Some people try to adopt other people’s definitions and values to gain “success” or “wealth”, but be careful—depending what you adopt, you might find this ends up being a waste of time or even harmful.

Besides knowing what it is that I want to achieve in a new year, I ask for God’s guidance. I believe He knows what is best and most suitable for me, and this step helps me to better understand the real needs and desires of my heart and then to set my goals.

In executing the resolutions, it’s a good idea to accomplish your goals in order of most importance. Work on those things that give the greatest sense of pleasure and would make one’s life more fulfilling. Do first those things that you wouldn’t want to regret.

There have been many rumours and speculation lately that 2012 will be “the end of the world”. Inevitably, during these types of conversations, I hear someone ask, “If this was your last year how would you live it and what would you do?” This question is worth considering now. As for me, I believe that life and time are in God’s hands, and when He’s a part of my life it means I can live each day with faith and hope.

Regardless of whether there’s a next year or not, make this year your best and live life to the fullest.

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English Translation by Haymen Leong  中文原文

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Originally posted on the Amira Culture website

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My other articles on Amira Culture:

大自然的奧妙和啟示 The Wonder and Lessons of Nature

愛從小事開始 Love Begins with the Small Things

整然有序 Put First Thing First

SaveSave