Siblings

Stopped by the orchids and found a lovely purple/lilac. One in full bloom and a bud in the background - siblings of sorts. Same parent, same stalk. Made me think of how we often take our own siblings for granted. We fought and got mad with each other; some of us still do after all the years: to what extent, for what gain?

Aren't these the closest we have to our own flesh and blood? And yet we sometimes treat them less than our friends and colleagues.

January is coming to an end, how long more do we want to wait?

Winter's Chill

Once again on the note of solitude and quiet moments. The still waters, tranquil settings - how we strive for the inner quietness in our hurried life. It's possible.

If only we would make time for ourselves each day, a few minutes at a time, to slow down and stare into the beauty all around us.

The choice is ours.

Solitaire

Sometimes, alone is better. We need time alone to think, to reflect, to ponder. Often we are caught in the heady rush of the daily chaos that we fail to put time aside to gather our thoughts, to recharge our souls, to dream our future.

Find time each day, for the time alone. Quietness and solace can be two very good friends for us.

Hope

As the dreariness of the season prepares to end; as the new year edges to the close of the first month, we look to the mountains, as our forefathers, as our ancestors did and wonder.

We wonder what lies beyond the next range of hills and mountains. And beyond that, to the next. And the next.

The fear of the distance between us and the horizon - the fear of the unknown, the fear of the dangers in between, the fear of not making it. These fears keep us from venturing forward, of making changes in our lives.

Yet beyond the last range we can see is a more powerful force - the hope. When the hope overcomes the fears, we will take the first step and move to the mountains.

May we overcome our fears and reach out to hope.

The Other Side of the World

How comfortable we are with the familiar. Yet when the familiar is seen from a different angle, it seems out of place, strange even. The familiar has not changed. Only our perspective.

Youthful Pride

Young pride ready to face the challenges of the unknown world. Were we like that when we were younger? Did we believe that we could take on the world when we teenagers? Then in our older days, we reflect on the silly and even stupid things we did in our younger days; blaming it on youthful exuberance and folly.

If we knew what we did were foolish acts, would we have done them? Would we have had so much fun each time we remember our younger days; often with wonder that we survived it all? Sometimes thinking too much and thinking too hard makes us grow old faster.

Should we just be like the plants - boldly go out and face the unknown with nothing but faith and dreams in our heart.

Should we just let our children live their dreams?

Weathered

Out under Nature's constant shift of heat and cold, of rain and shine, the rope and wood of this ladder still stay together.

How many of our friends from our childhood are still in constant touch with us? How many new friends have taken the place of our old friends in recent years? When have we reached back into our past and appreciated those we've left behind?

Plants in the Snow

Think about how the plants survive the cold winters, out there in the blustery winds and freezing conditions. Unfriendly as it may be outside, these plants not only survive but excel - blooming once more when winter's passed and spring returns.

If only we could learn to take the hardships and difficulties and come bouncing back like the blossoms of spring.

There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven: A time for giving birth, a time for dying; a time for planting, a time for uprooting what has been planted. A time for killing, a time for healing; a time for knocking down, a time for building. A time for tears, a time for laughter; a time for mourning, a time for dancing. A time for throwing stones away, a time for gathering them; a time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing. A time for searching, a time for losing; a time for keeping, a time for discarding. A time for tearing, a time for sewing; a time for keeping silent, a time for speaking. A time for loving, a time for hating; a time for war, a time for peace. (Ecc 3:1-8)

Reflections on a Quiet Moment

The weekend beckons, there is much to look forward to this year; it all depends on how we choose to see things.

Perhaps this year, I will be able to identify the many plants and flowers I come across.

I am not too sure if anyone out there among the billions in the world even know of the existence of this blog. And if they did, would they care?

In the same way, we all live, but one in the billions who call this planet our home. Are there many people out there who truly care about our individual lives? our fears? our dreams? our hopes?

New Year

As the shine of New Year's Day fade, as the glitter of the tinsels are swept away, we remind ourselves of age is also sometime we define. The youthful in spirit will always find their aged peers telling them to "grow up"; yet the youthful in spirit will usually be able to find joy in the little things around while their other peers look for satisfaction in the adult way of thought.

We need to reach out more and treat each moment as a new day, a new year, a new opportunity.

Water

It's always exciting to stop the water as it dances around. The closest to stopping time and examining each drop.

2011 went by too quickly; we've been focusing on disasters and calamities, worrying that these were signs of the impending end foretold by the Mayan calendar. Could we spend 2012 slowing a little to smell the roses? to appreciate life?

Little Weed

Weeds can be beautiful if seen in the correct light. So can people.

Perhaps we should focus on what's right with people this year, instead of looking for the times they falter or make mistakes.

Happy New Year

With the end of 2011 and the first burst of fireworks welcoming 2012, we all pray for a year filled with more positive memories, more happy events, more great moments that move the world and society forward.

Here's wishing you good health and meaningful family connections in the days ahead.