又見鐵達尼號 Another Look at the Titanic

   

 

(本文刊載於台灣醒報 2013年9月27日)

       
      彷彿穿越時光隧道，我手持一張仿造當年鐵達尼號（TITANIC）的登船證，重返一百年前由白星航運公司（WHITE STAR LINE）打造的超級豪華巨輪，那艘當時世界第一，高度相當於11層樓，號稱「永不沉沒」的鐵達尼號郵輪。

      As if I've traveled through a time warp, my hand holds a replica of a boarding pass for the Titanic, going back a hundred years to when the White Star Line built a super luxury ship. In those days, that ship was no. 1 in the world, the height of an 11 story building, the Titanic, known as the "unsinkable" ship.

       我把握這場「鐵達尼號文物」世界巡迴特展的最後一天，伴隨著自己的想像，和那部愛情史詩電影「鐵達尼號」所帶給我的震撼及感動，我走入百年前的時光旅程，親眼目睹有關這艘「夢幻之船」的真實史料，和現今探險家從海面下三千多公尺的深海，在「鐵達尼號」沉船地點和殘骸中，挖掘出來的珍貴文物。

        I took the "Titanic Artifacts" world tour exhibition on its last day, accompanied by my own imagination and all the shock and emotion given to me by the historical romance film "Titanic". I journeyed a hundred years into the past, and examined actual artifacts relating to this "dream boat", as well as the precious relics excavated by modern explorers from the shipwreck site and debris, over three thousands meters under the sea.

       看著牆上掛著一張張的黑白老照片和文字說明，觀看船體模型和藍圖，細看從深海尋回殘存的船身零件、日常用品、裝飾品、衣物、信件等文物，並且感受頭等艙、二等艙、三等艙的樣貌重現和飲食起居，甚至親觸冰山，體驗那椎心刺骨的冰冷與悲慟……，此時此刻的我，似乎化身為這艘巨輪的乘客，身歷其境體會「鐵達尼號」首航的盛況、歡欣、夢想，以及關乎奢華、階級和人性的悲劇。

As I looked at the wall hung with picture after picture of black and white photographs and captions, saw the hull models and blueprints, examined remnants recovered from the deep sea: hull parts, daily necessities, ornaments, clothing, letters and other artifacts; at the same time, experiencing a replicated walkthrough of the first class, second class, and third class quarters and daily diet, and even as I came in contact with an iceberg, to experience its intense bite of cold and despair...at that time, in that moment, I seemed to be the embodiment of the ship's passengers, immersed in experiencing the pomp, joy, and dreams, the luxury and class, and the tragedy of human nature on the Titanic's maiden voyage.

        雖然「鐵達尼號」這部電影的男女主角傑克（Jack）與蘿絲（Rose）淒美的愛情故事是虛構的，但船上乘客們的真實故事同樣是多麼扣人心弦。這艘海上豪華客輪由英國的南安普敦（Southampton）啟航，要駛向美國紐約。不同「階級」的乘客由不同入口進入。在頭等艙內，大多是上流社會菁英，是世上最有影響力、最富有和最世故的人。二等艙的乘客主要是中產階級，新婚夫婦，以及正在度假中的人。三等艙則擠滿了不同國籍的各色人種，打算去北美尋求更好的生活，追尋美國夢。「鐵達尼號」這部電影就描述了一個貧窮小子傑克，不顧階級之分，與上流社會的富家女蘿絲相戀，帶她重新享受生命的自由與尊嚴，那種犧牲的愛，總是保護著她，徹底地拯救了她！

Although the poignant love story of the characters Jack and Rose from the movie Titanic is fictional, but the real story of the passengers on board is just as soul-stirring. This luxury liner set sail from England's Southampton to New York. Different 'classes' of passengers used different entrances. In the first-class quarters, most passengers were among the top tier social elite, the world's most influential, wealthiest, and sophisticated people. Passengers in the second class cabin were mostly middle class, newly married, as well as people who were on vacation. The third class cabin, however, was packed full of various ethnicities and different nationalities, planning to go to North America in search of a better life, in pursuit of the American dream. The movie Titanic depicts a poor boy Jack who, with no regard for class distinction, falls in love with the rich girl Rose, and brings her to a renewed enjoyment of the freedom and dignity of life, a sacrificial love, that will always protect her, saving her completely!    

       
        我看著我領到的那張「登船證」背面的乘客真實資料，他是一位二等艙乘客，當年32歲，他已在美國打拼一陣子，職業是建築工匠，他剛回故鄉英國迎娶心上人。鐵達尼號啟航之前，他們才結婚幾天，他們是這艘郵輪上，二十多對新婚夫婦中其中一對。

I looked at the passenger's real information on the back of the "boarding pass" I had received, he was a second-class passenger, 32 years old at that time, he had already worked hard in America for a while, his occupation was construction craftsmen, and he had just returned to his hometown in England to marry his sweetheart. Before the Titanic set sail, they had only been married a few days, they were one pair among the 20 or so newlyweds on board the ship.

        展場出口處有一大面牆，上面是當時在鐵達尼號上所有乘客的名單。鐵達尼號在1912年4月15日凌晨2時20分沉沒，全船2228人，僅有705人獲救，1523人罹難。這面大牆前面擠滿了參觀的群眾，大家拿著各自的「登船證」，在牆上密密麻麻的名單中，尋找手中「登船證」背面所記載那名乘客的名字，想了解該名乘客當時的命運如何。

At the exhibition exit there was a huge wall, which had all of the passengers' names aboard the Titanic at that time. The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912 at 2:20 in the early morning. Out of all 2,228 people, only 705 were saved; 1523 people were killed. The front of this enormous wall was packed with the visiting public, everyone taking their "boarding pass", and among the dense list of names on the wall, searched for the recorded name of the passenger from the back of the "boarding pass" in their hand, wanting to understand what that passenger's fate was when the ship sank.

        千金難買早知道！當時，幾乎所有人都認為這是一艘「永不沉沒」的船，所以船上配備的救生艇只夠三分之一的乘客使用。後來，當鐵達尼號意外撞上冰山後沉沒，有1500多人落海，令人感到悲哀的是，附近有二十艘救生艇，卻只有一艘選擇返航回頭救人，落海者中只有6人獲救，多數人因泡在冰冷的海水中失溫而死。

All the gold in the world can't buy hindsight! At that time almost everyone believed that this was an 'unsinkable' ship, so there were only enough lifeboats on board for one third of the passengers to use. Later, when the Titanic sank after accidentally hitting an iceberg, over 1500 people were lost at sea, and the saddest part is, there were twenty lifeboats nearby, but only one choose to return to save others. Out of the passengers lost at sea, only six were rescued, a majority of people, due to treading in freezing waters, experienced hypothermia and died.

        我再次細看手上那張「登船證」背面的乘客資料，上面有該名乘客和他新婚妻子的全名，我站在那面牆壁前方尋找他們的名字時，我突然感到好感傷，我想到：當這艘豪華郵輪在嚴寒的北大西洋與冰山相撞時，不知船上那二十多對新婚夫婦中，有多少對夫妻正如電影「鐵達尼號」中的傑克與蘿絲，原本甜蜜的相遇相知相守，竟轉變成刻骨銘心的生離死別？在救生艇嚴重不足的情況中，「婦孺優先」逃生的紳士情操下，獲救者大多是婦女和孩童，不知有多少男士在船上與妻兒永別，有多少家庭，有多少戀人被迫永遠分離？不知有多少尋夢者的夢碎了？在這密密麻麻的乘客名單中，殊不知背後又隱藏了多少令人動容、令人為之鼻酸的故事。

I once again took a close look at the passenger information on the back of "boarding pass" in my hand, which had the full names of both this passenger and his new wife. As I stood in front of that wall searching for their names, I suddenly felt so sad, I thought, "when this luxury cruise ship collided with an iceberg in the frigid Atlantic, out of the twenty or so newlyweds on board, we don't know how many were just like Jack and Rose from the movie 'Titanic', with original sweet encounters friendships and time together, suddenly changed into an unforgettable parting, never to meet again. In the serious shortage of lifeboats situation, under the gentleman's sentiment of "woman and children first" to escape, most of the people rescued were women and children. We don't know how many men parted with their wives and children forever on the boat, how many families, how many lovers were forced into eternal separation. Who knows how many of those dreams were broken. Among this crowded list of passengers, we cannot know all the moving, sad stories hidden behind them.

      我決定放棄尋查他們倆人的名字和命運，就讓我想像他們倆都平安獲救，一起經營他們的幸福人生吧！從另一個角度來看，這面牆上所記錄的所有乘客，無論當時是獲救或是罹難者，如今都已離開人世，鐵達尼號最後一名倖存者，當時還是嬰兒，也已於2009年過世。這世上的一切都會過去，但聖經啟示錄一再提起「生命冊」的事，耶穌也曾對門徒說：「要因為你們的名字已經被記錄在天上而歡喜」（路加福音十章20節）。也許，我們更應該好好關注這「天國公民的名冊」，去認真思考一個問題：你的名字有記錄在「生命冊」上嗎？

I decided to stop looking for their names and fate, and just let myself imagine that both of them were rescued safely, going about their happy lives together! From another perspective, all of the passengers recorded on this wall, whether they were saved or became victims at that time, have all already parted with this world. The last sole survivor of the Titanic, who at the time was still a baby, had passed away in 2009. Everything in this world will pass, but the book of Revelation mentions the "book of life" again and again, and Jesus also said to his disciples "rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). Perhaps we really should take note of this "Kingdom of Heaven Citizens Roster", and seriously consider this question: Is your name recorded in "The Book of Life"?

        鐵達尼號沈船之前，船上樂團仍盡職地演奏著樂曲，撫慰人心，電影「鐵達尼號」也呈現了這動人的一幕：當樂團演奏最後一首聖詩「與主更親近」（Nearer My God to Thee），在鐵達尼號陡斜的甲板上，有一名神父為即將罹難的旅客們禱告，求主赦免他們一生的罪過，他向主祈求說：「我看見新天新地，之前的天地不見了，人們成為祂的子民，上帝將與他們同在，做他們的神，上帝將擦乾他們的眼淚，不會再有死亡，沒有悲傷哭泣，也不會再有痛苦，先前的世界已成過去……」。

Before the Titanic sank, the ship's orchestra still dutifully played music, to pacify people. The movie "Titanic" also presents this touching scene: When the musicians play their last hymn "Nearer My God to Thee", on the steep deck of the Titanic, a priest says a prayer for the soon to be perished travelers, praying to pardon the sins of their lives, he prayed to the Lord " I see a new heaven and a new earth, when the old heaven and earth disappear, the people will become His people, and God will be with them and be their God. He shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, there shall be no more death, sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former world has passed away."

        人生有如一片汪洋大海，我們都是鐵達尼號上的乘客，我們都需要被救贖。我們看到前方有冰山，我們以為已經躲過前方的冰山，以為已經平安穩妥，以為已經沒有問題了……原來我們只看到海面上的冰山，那只不過是冰山的一角，我們已撞上海面下銳利的冰山卻不自知！我們都需要坐上救生艇，都需要被救贖！我們不要落入永遠的冰冷與黑暗裡……

Life is like a vast ocean, and we are all passengers aboard the Titanic, we all need redemption. We see the iceberg ahead, and we foolishly believe that we have eluded the iceberg ahead, thinking we already have peace and safety, thinking there isn't a problem....turns out that we only see the iceberg above the sea, which is merely the tip of the iceberg, we've already hit the jagged iceberg below the surface, and we don't even know it! We all need to sit in a lifeboat, we all need to be redeemed! Let us not fall into the eternal cold and darkness.....

作者:譚亞菁 Sep. 25, 2013

Translated by Parker Gadbois

發現驚喜 Discovering Surprises

      

      

(本文刊載於基督教論壇報 2013年5月4日，第3490期)
      
      從學生時代至今，無論是國、高中六年的住校生活，或是參與無數次在外住宿的團體營會，都深感與同學友人一起生活住宿，是非常有意思的體驗。尤其是在晚上，有更多機會可以沉澱一整天的心情，與人彼此分享，促膝長談。

      Since the days as a student till now, whether it's the six years of junior and senior high boarding school, or the uncountable amount of times participating in outdoor group camping, living together with classmates and friends is truly an incredibly interesting experience. Especially at night, there are more opportunities to settle the state of mind from an entire day, to share with others over a long talk.

      記得有一次，我的室友是一位宣教士，她已年過半百，有一頭很自然的、亮銀灰色澤的秀髮，她的面容泛著光芒，神采奕奕地向我訴說一個個她憑信心生活的動人故事，訴說上帝如何奇妙地供應她日常所需，如何帶領及祝福她的宣教事工，如何施行神蹟奇事在她的生命中，讓我聽得津津有味。當她說到特別精彩的經歷，還會整個人手舞足蹈，在床上笑翻過去，雖然她已五十多歲，但她喜樂的模樣、光彩的神情、純真又爽朗的笑聲，卻像極了十幾歲的少女，那股活潑的喜樂生命令人驚喜。從她身上，你可以清楚感受到「因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是我們的力量（尼希米記八10）」這句話是那麼的真實。

I remember one time, my roommate was a missionary. She had already lived over half a century, with her head of natural, brightly shimmering silver-grey hair, and a luminous face. Glowing with health and radiating vigor, she told me a personal moving story of her life of faith, telling me how God marvelously provided her daily necessities, how He guided and blessed her missionary work, how He orchestrated signs and wonders in her life; I listened with great interest. When she spoke of a particularly exciting experience, she would literally dance for joy, rolling over her bed laughing. Even though she was in her fifties, her jubilant appearance, magnificent spirit, and pure and hearty laughter was way more like that of a teenage girl's. Such a burst of vivaciousness for life's bliss was a pleasant surprise. From her, you can clearly feel how the verse "for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10), rings true.

       除了與人互動的過程中，所帶來的驚喜，有時別出心裁的營會活動，也會令你難以忘懷。其中印象最深刻的是，有一次我回宿舍房間，一打開房門，就發現床上放著給我的溫馨小卡片和小禮物；接著，當我整理床舖時，竟又意外發現枕頭下藏著精美的禮物；之後又在房門口的茶几上發現可口的甜點宵夜！我當時真是又驚又喜，多麼驚喜連連啊！我記得當我開心地走出房門，腳步輕盈地走在宿舍走廊，沉浸在一連串驚喜的喜悅中時，突然有一個強烈的意念深入我的腦海，甚至讓我因此停下了腳步，細細思量……

Aside from the course of interacting with people, and the surprises it brings, at times, the ingenuity of the camp activities are also unforgettable. Among them the most deeply impressive was one time, I had returned to the dorm room, and as soon as I opened the door I found a warm little card and gift just lying in my bed for me. Then, when I made the bed, I unexpectedly found another elegant gift hidden under the pillow by accident, and then, on the coffee table near the doorway, I found a delicious midnight snack dessert! I was really so surprised when it happened, all these surprises one right after another! I remember I happily walked out of the room, lightly pacing about the dormitory hallway, immersed in the thrill of a series of surprises when suddenly, an intense thought struck my mind, and even made me stop walking to carefully consider.... 

       我的腦海裡清楚浮現出兩個字叫做「發現」，那深刻的感動就是，驚喜連連的背後，蘊藏著一個更深刻的提醒：在享受驚喜之前，要先做一個動作——「發現」驚喜！—— 驚喜連連固然好，但是你都「發現」它們了嗎？這就好比精美的禮物一直都藏在枕頭底下，但重點是你「發現」它了嗎？這又好比上帝已將各式各樣的驚喜和恩典賜給我們，它們一直都存在我們生活中，可惜我們經常忽略或視而不見。但事實上，那些驚喜和恩典一直都在我們周圍，我們沒發現絕不代表它們不存在。

That one word called "discover" had materialized clearly in my mind, profoundly moving as it is, behind pleasant surprises lies an even more profound reminder: before enjoying a surprise, first we have to take action....we have to "discover" the surprise! Pleasant surprises are indeed good, but have you "discovered" all of them? This is just like a wonderful gift that is constantly hidden under your pillow, but the point is, have you discovered it? Again, this is comparable to God who has already bestowed upon us various surprises and His grace, both of which constantly exist in our lives, and yet what a shame that we typically ignore or turn a blind eye to them. Yet in reality, the surprises and grace are always all around us, and just because we haven't discovered them, doesn't mean they don't exist.

       這個領悟讓我受益無窮，在往後的日子，我學著更多去「發現」驚喜或恩典。其實光是大自然中的驚奇就令人探索不完了，正如聖經詩篇所說：「耶和華啊，祢所造的何其多！都是你用智慧造成的，遍地滿了你的豐富」（詩篇一百零四24）。

This realization reaped endless benefits. In the days that followed, I learned more about "discovering" surprises and grace. In fact, just the wonders of nature lead to limitless exploration, like it says in the Bible from the Book of Psalms "How many are Your works Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures" (Psalms 104:24)

       俗話說：一日之計在於晨。清晨的時光真寶貴。那一天，我特別提早出門，我經過社區美麗的庭園，一陣陣清新的花香撲鼻而來，伴隨清晨格外清爽的空氣，我深深地吸了一口氣，睡意頓時全消。我醒了，我的眼睛亮了起來，我看見樹林間有多種不同種類、不同顏色的鳥兒在林間飛舞，牠們不停地在樹梢間跳躍穿梭，嘰嘰喳喳，竊竊私語，讓我不禁好奇牠們究竟在聊什麼，聊得這麼開心？

       As the saying goes, “An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening”. Morning time is really precious. That day, I was out and about earlier than usual, I passed the community's beautiful garden, waves of fresh flowers greeted my nostrils, accompanied by the exceptionally crisp morning air, I inhaled a deep breath, and at once my drowsiness vanished. I awoke. My eyes lit up. I saw the grove had many birds of different kinds and colors flying in the forest, and their unceasing shuttles between trees, twitters and whispers made it so I could not help but wonder what exactly they were chatting about, chatting so happily?

       在早晨的薄霧中，我走出社區大門，繼續沿著小山坡往下走，我真不敢相信我的眼睛，我竟然在這小山坡上看見清晨的日出，我不知道有多久沒看見日出的太陽，好大好圓的橘紅色太陽，配上飄渺的薄霧，和遠方的山景，實在太美了！我忍不住向這美麗的世界吶喊一聲：「早安啊」！

       In the morning mist, I walked out the community gate, continued down along a small hill path, I really could not believe my eyes, I actually saw the morning sunrise on the hillside, I don't know how long I hadn't seen the morning sun, the orange sun so big and round, accompanied by a misty haze, and the distant mountain landscape, it was so beautiful! I could not help but cry out to this beautiful world "Good Morning!"

       這一場日出的驚喜，也讓我不禁讚嘆神的創造，還思想到神的慈愛與保護：「白日，太陽必不傷你；夜間，月亮必不害你……你出你入，耶和華要保護你，從今時直到永遠」（詩篇一百二十一6, 8）。我想，生命中最大的驚喜，莫過於知道神愛你。

       This sunrise surprise, had also not only made me admire God's creation, but reflect upon God's love and protection "the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night...the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore" (Psalms 121:6, 8). I think the biggest surprise in life, is none other than knowing God loves you.

作者：譚亞菁 Apr. 21, 2013

Translated by Parker Gadbois

變與不變 Change and Constancy

       

       

        那天教完華語課後，我來到附近的捷運車站，準備進站搭車返家之前，拿出背包裡的水杯喝水，但不小心將杯蓋掉落地面，我拾起杯蓋，沒有直接右轉進站搭捷運，而是往前方走廊底端的女化妝室前行，要去把杯蓋洗乾淨。

        After teaching a Mandarin class that day, I arrived at a nearby MRT station, and before getting ready to board the train home, I took out a bottle of water from my backpack for a drink, but I accidentally let the lid fall on the floor. I picked up the lid and didn't make a right turn directly into the MRT, but instead walked down the passageway to the women's restroom to wash off the lid.

        當我走在長廊上，不知是哪來的預感，我竟感覺到，也許這個看似再平凡不過的生活小事，會使我展開不同的生活際遇，遇見不一樣的人事物，只因一個掉落的水杯蓋……

When I walked through the corridor, having no clue where this premonition came from, I unexpectedly felt, that maybe the seemingly unremarkable trifles in life, would open me up to different destinies, causing me to encounter all kinds of people and things, all because of a fallen water bottle cap…

        在化妝室清洗杯蓋時，突然聽見警報器響起，原本以為是有人誤觸警鈴，所以不以為意，沒想到從化妝室出來，竟然聞到嗆鼻的煙味，而且味道愈來愈濃，此時捷運站緊急廣播，得知鄰近大樓發生火災，火勢猛烈，陣陣黑煙不斷竄出，連捷運站內都濃煙蔓佈。我當下只想盡速逃離這裡，被嗆鼻的濃煙包圍，令人頭暈腦脹，快喘不過氣，非常難受。我只想快一點跳上捷運車廂，明明知道是反方向的車，我也坐上去了。

        While in the restroom cleaning the cap, I suddenly heard the sound of sirens, and originally believed someone caused a false alarm, so I didn't mind. I never thought that from out of the restroom, I'd unexpectedly catch a whiff of smoke. As the smell became more and more dense, the MRT made an emergency broadcast, and I learned that a nearby high-rise was on fire, an intense fire, with puffs of black smoke billowing out, even inside the MRT station was a thick smoke cloth. I immediately wanted to escape as soon as possible, inhaling thick smoke leads to dizziness and brain swelling, when you’re almost out of breath, it can be very painful. I only wanted to jump aboard the MRT train a little faster, knowing it was a train for the opposite direction, I still sat in it to leave.

        進入捷運車廂，有一種獲救的感覺。空氣中仍瀰漫著淡淡的煙味，耳邊不斷傳來消防車、救護車呼嘯而過的聲音，我坐在與目的地背道而馳的列車中，安靜坐在位子上，為這場火災禱告，祈求神讓火勢迅速撲滅，讓受困的人平安獲救。

Upon entering the MRT train car, there was a feeling of being rescued. The air was still filled with the faint smell of smoke, my ears constantly heard the roar of fire trucks and ambulances whiz by, I sat in the train headed away from my destination, quietly sitting in the seat, praying for the fire, praying to God to quickly extinguish the fire, to safely rescue the trapped people.

        一個水杯蓋，為我帶來一段不一樣的際遇和旅程。我第一次搭乘這條捷運新路線，觀看窗外不同風景和新鮮人事物的同時，也將我的記憶帶回到多年前的某一天……

One water bottle cap, brought to me different encounters and a different journey. It was my first time on this MRT line, gazing out the window at various scenes and fresh new people and things, but at the same time my memory brought me back to a certain day many years ago...

        那天傍晚，我抱著六個月大的兒子回娘家吃晚餐，與媽媽和已高齡九十多歲的外公一起用餐，享受著四代同堂的天倫之樂，和桌上充滿有媽媽味道的美味佳餚。在有說有笑的溫馨時刻，我們忽然聽見社區的火災警鈴響起，屋外不停地廣播：「火災、火災，六樓發生火災，請盡速逃生」，警鈴與廣播的陣陣催促聲，讓人恐慌。原先的歡樂時光，突然逆轉成驚慌時刻，尤其要帶著六個月大的嬰兒，和九十多歲的老人家逃難，更是困難重重！

On that evening, I carried my six month old son back home, with mama and my already elder grandfather of 90+ years of age to eat dinner together, enjoying the happiness of spending time with four generations of family, the table full of mama's home cooked delicacies. Amidst the warm moments of talking and laughing, we suddenly heard the sound of our community's fire alarm, unceasingly broadcasting outside the room "Fire, Fire, Fire on the Sixth Floor, Please Evacuate Immediately", the pulsing sounds of urgency from the alarm and announcement made people panic. What once were happy moments, suddenly reversed into a reign of panic, especially when fleeing with a six month old baby and an elderly man in his 90s, it's even more difficult!

          我們從16樓的住家跑到樓梯間，一路煙霧瀰漫，我們非常擔心火舌和濃煙會衝過來，也不確定究竟該往上逃或是往下逃。我感受到一股母性的天然力量，我必須抱緊懷中的嬰孩脫困，孩子雙眼直視著我，似乎也感受到不尋常的緊張氣氛。我選擇往下奔跑，並不時回頭呼喚媽媽和外公，媽媽攙扶著外公一步步往下走，非常辛苦和無助，那種擔憂家人和自身陷入火海的恐懼，非筆墨所能形容。

We ran from our home on the 16th floor to the stairwell, through all the thick smoke. We were worried that the flames and smoke would reach us, and were ultimately uncertain if we should climb up or down the stairs. I could feel the natural strength of motherhood, I had to cradle the baby in my arms and escape the fire, the child's eyes looking directly at me as if he could sense an unusual tension. I choose to run down, periodically calling back to my mother and grandfather. My mother assisted my grandfather down the stairs one step at a time, which was very painstaking and utterly helpless, that tormenting fear of you and your family engulfed in flames, is beyond words.

        我抱著孩子好不容易逃到一樓社區中庭，我早已雙腿發軟，身心俱疲，等到看見媽媽扶著外公也從16樓平安走下來，我才真的鬆了一口氣。此時，社區中庭擠滿了鄰居，平日大家不常見面，沒想到卻在這種情況下，彼此相識，交談問候，譬如一位親切的老奶奶，對著累癱坐在地上、抱著嬰孩的我說：「孩子長得真可愛，和我長得真像」之類的對話，拉近鄰居之間的距離。隨後我得知，原來六樓的起火原因是客廳的電視機自燃，無人在家，真是令人感嘆事事多變化，誰也無法掌握下一秒會發生什麼事？

 I carried my baby with great difficulty down to the first floor atrium, my legs were already weak, my body and mind were completely exhausted, and it wasn't until I saw my mother helping my grandfather all the way down from the 16th floor safely, that I could really let out a sigh of relief. At this point, the atrium was packed with neighbors. Everyone doesn't usually see each other, so who would have thought that under these circumstances, we'd get to know each other through greetings and conversation. For instance, there was a kind old grandmother who spoke to me, a tired and paralyzed woman sitting on the floor, holding her baby, and said things like "my,  what a cute child, he looks just like his mother…" Conversations like this helped to close the distance between neighbors. Then I learned that the original cause of the fire on the sixth floor was because a living room television shorted out and combusted, no one was home. It really is lamentable how everything changes, and yet who has the ability to control what will happen in the next second?

        人生似乎充滿變化，似乎是由一連串的選擇（如往上或往下，往左或往右）、巧合、偶然所組成的，正如有句話說：「最大的不變就是變」，但果真如此嗎？

Our lives are seemingly full of change, as if it's all brought about by a string of decisions (like should I go up or down, left or right), coincidence, and chance. Just as the saying goes "the greatest constant is change", but is this really so?

        印象中自從我二十多歲，就有白頭髮了，但由於數量很少，我並不在意，尤其有一回，我翻開聖經看見一段話，讓我深感，白髮對我而言，竟然可以成為一種很棒的提醒！那段話出現在馬太福音第五章36節：「又不可指著你的頭起誓，因為你不能使一根頭髮變黑變白了」。我看著頭上那幾根白髮，心裡想著：「是啊！我確實無法使一根頭髮變黑、變白，我連一根頭髮都搞不定」。這更讓我確信我的生命氣息、生活中的大小事，其掌權者絕對不是無能的我，而是聖經所描述那位創造宇宙萬物、掌管一切的全能神。神愛世人，祂對我們每一個人在凡事上都有獨特的計劃和帶領，沒有一件事情是偶然。即使人世間千變萬化，但神的慈愛、信實與話語卻永不改變，就如詩篇所說：「我的神啊，惟有你永不改變，你的年數沒有窮盡」（詩篇102：27）。

 I'm under the impression that I've had white hairs since my twenties, but because they were few in number, I really didn't mind, especially one time in particular, I opened the Bible to a passage which struck me, so white hair, as far as I'm concerned, can actually be a great reminder! The words appear in Matthew 5:36: "And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black." I looked at those few white hairs on my head, thinking "Yeah! I truly have no way to make one hair turn black or white, even just a single hair is out of my control." This really affirmed in me that the breath of life, the matters in life big or small, are certainly not ruled by the incompetent me, but rather by the creator of all things as described in the Bible, the one in charge of all, the Almighty God. God so loved the world, He has given each individual person a unique plan and guide for everything, so that not one thing is left to chance. Even though our world is constantly changing, God's love, faithfulness and the word of God will never change, according to Psalms "My God, You remain the same, and your years will never end" (Psalms 102:27).

          人的一生中，有高山、低谷、歡笑、傷悲，甚至落入烈火的試煉中。聖經記載了ㄧ段令人讚嘆的故事，說到但以理的三個朋友，沒有照著國王的命令敬拜金像，王大怒，吩咐人將他們捆起來，扔在烈火的窯中。後來，國王驚奇地看見，竟然有四個人，並沒有捆綁，在火中遊行，也沒有受傷，那第四個的相貌好像神子（但以理書三25），也就是真神與他們同在。於是，國王請他們三個人從火窯中出來，親眼目睹火無力傷他們的身體，頭髮也沒有燒焦，衣裳也沒有變色，並沒有火燎的氣味（但以理書三27）。因為他們三人誓死不拜金像，只敬拜與信靠真神，神就與他們同在同行，施行拯救，將他們從烈火的窯中拯救出來。

In a person's life, there are high mountains, low valleys, laughter, sadness, and even dives into trials of fire. The Bible records an admirable story that talks about Daniel's three friends who didn't follow the king's orders to worship the golden idol. The king was furious, and commanded that they be tied up, and thrown into a blazing furnace. Afterwards, the king was surprised to see that there were actually four men, all unbound, travelling through the fire, all without injury, and the fourth one looked like the Son of God (Daniel 3:25), that is, the true God was with them. So, the king asked those three men to come out of the fiery furnace, and with his own eyes saw the fire had no power to hurt their bodies, their hair had not been burnt, their clothing had not changed color, and they didn't even smell of fire (Daniel 3:27). Because the three of them would rather die than worship the golden idol, and only worship and trust the true God, God was with them every step of the way, providing salvation, allowing them to be rescued from the fiery furnace.

          一個掉落的水杯蓋，帶給我一連串關於「火」的思緒 ，思考「變與不變」。無論如何，我相信「我們經過水火，神卻使我們到豐富之地（詩篇六十六12）」，這是不變的真理。  

    

A fallen water bottle cap, led me to a chain of thoughts regarding "fire", and to ponder "change and constancy". No matter what, I believe "we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance" (Psalms 66:12), this is a constant truth.

作者:譚亞菁 June.02, 2013

Translated by Parker Gadbois

萬里長城萬里長 The "Great"-ness of such an Endless Wall!

身為華人世界的一份子，來到中國的萬里長城，回想著長城的歷史興衰，格外令人發思古之幽情。那一天，我懷著無比期待的心情，準備踏上萬里長城最雄偉秀麗的精華段落之一 —— 北京慕田峪長城。

Being myself a member of the Chinese world made coming to the Great Wall of China, and recollecting the history of the Great Wall's rise and fall, all the more nostalgic. That day, I held a mood of immense anticipation, and prepared to climb one of the Great Wall's most quintessential locations of majestic beauty- Beijing's Great Wall at Mutianyu.

        對我而言，過去在歷史課本中出現的萬里長城，即將真實地映入眼簾。然而，我確實沒有料想到，自己會以近乎驚險又夢幻的方式，一步步接近眼前壯闊的長城……

For me, the Great Wall as it appeared in history books from my past was about as real as it could get. However, I definitely did not expect myself, in an almost thrilling and fantastic way, to be approaching step by step in front of the magnificent Great Wall……

        由於旅行團的行程緊湊，我們沒有時間慢慢步行，而是選擇搭乘一種吊椅式索車登上長城。我和另一位團員坐上吊椅之後，發現這種搖椅索車沒有什麼安全保護屏障，只有前端一條欄杆，任由雙腳懸空擺蕩，然後搖椅索車在翠綠山谷中往長城的方向攀升，逐漸愈升愈高，我們像是坐在搖晃的鞦韆上，深怕一不小心背包或相機會墜入深谷之中。但是，那種在高空中，與山谷之間的茂密樹林、蒼翠松柏，幾乎零距離的感受，實在太特別了。你彷彿化身為森林之王泰山，在綠樹群峰之間跳躍，要預備跳上山谷另一端、那愈加逼近、愈加壯麗的萬里長城。

As a result of the tight schedule for tour groups, we didn't have time to walk slowly, so we chose to take a kind of ski lift to climb atop the Great Wall. After another member of the group and I sat on the lift, I discovered that the bench didn't have any safety or protective barriers whatsoever, there was only one rail at the front which allowed your feet swing freely in the air. Then in the middle of an emerald green valley, the rocking chair lift rose toward the Great Wall, gradually going higher and higher. It was like we were sitting on a rickety swing, terrified that a backpack or camera would accidentally fall into the valley below.

However, that feeling of being high in the sky, among the valley's lush woods, green pines and cypresses at a zero distance, was really something special. It's like you more or less become Tarzan, the king of the forest, jumping from treetop to treetop. We prepared to land on the other side of the valley, as it was increasingly approaching, the Great Wall appeared even more magnificent.

此外，更令我驚奇的是，我從搖椅索車往下看，發現有一長條從長城直通山腳下的蜿蜒滑道，好比山谷中的超大型溜滑梯，一輛輛小型滑車，在彎彎曲曲的滑道上、高大而茂盛的樹叢之間穿梭，像極了童話故事裡的畫面。我坐著驚險的搖椅索車登上長城的同時，心中也暗自期盼，待會兒從長城下山時，我也要成為這童話故事的主角，搭著小滑車，在山林滑道中自由滑行，那會是多麼夢幻啊！

Additionally, even more surprising was that, as I looked down from the chair lift, I discovered a long strip of winding slide that stretched from the Great Wall all the way to the base of the foothills. It looked like an enormous type of slide in the valley, with a team of small sleds in the winding curvy chute, shuttling around the tall and exuberant groves exactly like a scene from a fairy tale. As I sat in the chair lift on its breathtaking ascent to the Great Wall, my heart also secretly hoped that momentarily, while descending the Great Wall down the mountain, I would also become the protagonist of this fairytale, riding a small sled and sliding freely in the mountain forest! What a dream that would be!

        登上萬里長城，一片晴空萬里，氣勢磅礡，壯闊美景不在話下。你會想到這裡就是中華民族抵禦外敵侵略的重要防線，也被視為世界建築史上一大奇蹟，它就像一條巨龍蜿蜒盤旋於群山之間。我和幾位團員踏上長城一層層的古老階梯，爬上一個個的碉堡，越過古城牆邊的炮台……突然，我的直覺告訴我，該是要沿著原路返回出入口的時候了，因為集合時間快到了，我還想玩剛才瞧見的「滑道」下山，或許遊客多到要排隊搭乘小滑車，算算時間，我必須原路折返了。

Atop the Great Wall was a clear and boundless sky, full of power and grandeur, and scenery vast and beautiful withal. You realize how this was an important line of defense for the Chinese nation against foreign aggression, and how it has also been viewed as a world wonder of architectural history; it is just like an enormous dragon winding and wheeling around the mountains. Myself along with several members of the tour group stepped along the Wall's layers of ancient stairs, climbed up tower after tower and surmounted a cannon block across from an ancient wall, ...when suddenly, my intuition told me that it was time to follow the original path back to the entrance, because the time to reassemble was approaching and I still really wanted to take the "slide" I just saw down the mountain, and maybe a lot of tourists were lined up to ride the sleds. When I figured the time, I thought I had better take the way back.

但是，其他幾個團員都想繼續往上爬，想登上長城另一端的纜車出入口，並且拿著長城導覽圖，篤定地告訴我另一端也有滑道可下山。我就帶著一絲懷疑繼續跟著大家朝纜車前行，接下來的長城路段非常陡峻，加上艷陽高照，只能一步一步艱辛地往上爬，好不容易到達長城另一端的纜車出入口，沒想到竟然只見纜車，未見滑道，原來因為有團員看錯導覽圖，所以我被誤導了，失望的情緒盤據心頭，更氣自己當初沒有相信自己的直覺，我自己也沒有查看清楚導覽圖，就跟著大家走，否則我可能早已從從容容地搭上滑車，在山林滑道中穿梭，完成童話般的夢幻之旅了。

However, a few other members wanted to keep climbing on, to ascend toward another cable car platform on the Great Wall, even holding up a guide map assuredly telling me that this other platform also had a slide I could take down the mountain. So, with a bit of skepticism, I continued to follow everyone to the other cable car. This next section of the Great Wall was incredibly steep, with the bright sun bearing down, we were only able to climb one arduous step at a time, until after some difficulty we arrived at the other cable car platform. I did not expect to suddenly notice cable cars, yet no slide. As it turned out, the member of the tour group looked at the map wrong, and so I was misled. Preoccupied with feelings of disappointment, I was more frustrated at myself for not trusting my own intuition at the time. I myself didn't even take a good look at the guide map, I just followed everyone when I could have been leisurely boarding a sled, shuttling down a slide in the mountain forest, completing the journey of my fairytale dream.

        事實上，此時離集合時間只剩半小時，好幾位團員都決定搭纜車下山和其他團員會合，但其中有一位團員，她也很想玩滑道，我們兩人詢問路旁賣飲料的小販，走回長城另一端的滑道出口，需要多久時間？他說回程幾乎都是下坡，大約20分鐘左右。於是，我們決定快速奔跑回去，也許還有機會圓夢！只是回程不像去程有興致沿路欣賞長城景緻和周邊山景，回程因為在趕路，必須一路衝刺回去。原本我們兩人一起作伴在長城上奔馳，但她的腳程實在快的驚人，好像練過輕功一般，不一會兒，就消失不見蹤影。

Actually, at this time we only had a half hour until the group reunited. Several members of the group had decided to take the cable car down the mountain to meet up with the others, but among them there was one member, and she really wanted to ride down the slide. We both asked one of the drink vendors on the path how much time would we need to travel back to the slide entrance on the other side of the Wall. He said the route back was basically all downhill, so about 20 minutes give or take. So, we decided to quickly run back. Perhaps there was still a chance to realize my dream! Only thing is, for the return trip we had no intent on going to the points of interest to appreciate the scenery of Great Wall and the scenic mountain views surrounding it. This return trip was hurried; we had to sprint all the way back. Originally we were two companions running together on the Great Wall, but her feet were astonishingly fast, like she had practiced flying KungFu skills before, and in no time, she disappeared without a trace.

        那時的我，有一種被遺棄的感受，望著前方蜿蜒曲折的長城階梯，我獨自一人心情焦急、氣喘吁吁地奔跑著，又再次經過去程的一個個碉堡、一層層石階，在炙熱的陽光下，真是感到萬里長城「萬里長」呀！

At that time, I felt like I had been abandoned. Looking ahead at the Great Wall's winding staircase, I was all alone, feeling anxious, panting heavily while running, once again passing through all those towers, all the layers of stone steps, underneath the scorching sun, I was really able to experience first hand the "Great"-ness of such an endless wall!

        幸好，我相信一路有主與我同行，否則實在太孤寂了！我邊奔跑邊禱告，我發現長城的碉堡、路段，看起來都好相像，我很擔心會錯過滑道出口。我正疑惑自己是否跑過頭時，突然有一位外籍人士，請我幫他拍照，也因此讓我停下腳步，竟然發現在轉角處，沿著一條狹窄石階下去，就是滑道出口了！感謝主，帶我找到出路。

Fortunately, I believe the Lord was with me all the way, otherwise I really would have been too lonely! I prayed as I ran. I discovered that the Wall's towers looked alike, and the roads looked alike, so I was worried that I would miss the slide entrance. Just as I was doubting myself about whether or not I had run too far, there was a foreigner who suddenly asked me to help him take a picture, and because this made me stop my feet, I unexpectedly noticed that around the corner, down along a narrow line of stone steps, was the entrance to the slide! I thanked God for leading me to find the way out.

        果然，滑道出口人潮眾多、大排長龍，我雖然歷經千辛萬苦回到這裡，但集合時間迫在眉睫，內心經過一番掙扎之後，選擇做對的事，就是再次搭乘旁邊完全不需排隊的搖椅索車下山，準時集合，而滿心期盼的滑道之旅，就留待下次再來吧！我準時上了遊覽車，意外發現那位腳程超快、棄我而去的團員，竟然還沒上車？難道她決定去玩滑道，讓全車的人等她一個人？大家等了她許久，也開始擔心起她的安危。終於，她神情疲憊地上了車，原來，她在長城上一路奔跑，衝刺過頭，錯過出口，在長城迷路，找不著出口，真是所謂「欲速則不達」。

Sure enough, there was a crowd of people at the entrance in a long line, and although I expended a lot of hard work to get to this point, the time to regroup was looming. After going through an internal dilemma, I chose to do the right thing, which was to board the same ski lift down the mountain, located next to the slide without any line at all, meet up on time, while saving the hope for a journey down the slide until the next time I visit! I punctually boarded the tour bus, and just happened to realize that the fast sprinter, the member who abandoned me and left, really hadn't gotten on the bus? Had she really decided to play on the slide and make an entire bus of people wait just for her? Everyone waited on her for quite some time, and even started to worry about her safety. Finally, she tiredly boarded the bus, turns out, she ran all the way across the Great Wall, sprinted too far, missed the exit, got lost on the Great Wall, and couldn't find the exit. Haste makes waste indeed.  

        這趟難忘的長城旅程，讓我深刻感受到，我們都需要找到屬於自己的生命節拍，踏著屬於你的步伐，走上屬於你的道路。我們必須清楚自己究竟想要什麼，  而非跟著人群或潮流走。我們要去聆聽內心的感動與直覺，留意神對我們的引導。在凡事講求快速的時代，我們更需要學習「慢活」，適時地停下腳步，找著生命的出口。

This unforgettable Great Wall tour, made me feel deeply that we all need to find our own rhythm of life, a march of your own pace, taking the path which belongs to you. We must be clear on what we ultimately want, and avoid following crowds or trends. We should listen to our inner feelings and intuition, and pay attention to the God's guidance. In an era where everything emphasizes rapidity, we ought to learn "slow living", to timely stop our pace and seek the exit of life.

神行事必定有祂最好的時間和方式。聖經傳道書提醒我們：萬事都有定時，「生有時，死有時；……拆毀有時，建造有時；哭有時，笑有時；哀慟有時，跳舞有時……尋找有時，失落有時；保守有時，捨棄有時；……神造萬物，各按其時成為美好，又將永生安置在世人心裏」（傳道書三2-4, 6, 11）

   

Acts of God undoubtedly are His best time and way. Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is a time for everything: "there is a time to be born, and a time to die......a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away......God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men" (Ecclesiastes 3:2-4, 6, 11)

        你聽到那屬於你的生命節奏嗎？彷彿來自心靈的鼓聲，震撼你的心靈！

Can you hear the rhythm of life that belongs to you? It's like a drum beating from your heart, shaking your spirit!

作者:譚亞菁 Mar. 4, 2013

Translated by Parker Gadbois

月亮隨筆 Some Thoughts About The Moon

"Moon Cross" Illustrated by Andrew Lin

        自古至今，人類從未間斷對月亮的想像與探索。首位登陸月球的美國太空人阿姆斯壯，他踏上月球表面所說的名言：「這是我的一小步，卻是人類的一大步」，到現今仍被人津津樂道。他從月球上觀看地球，看見地球就像一顆美麗的藍色星球、一顆璀璨的藍色水鑽，高掛在黑絲絨般的宇宙星空中。這種美的震撼，也出現在地球上的人們抬頭凝視皎潔月亮的當下。地球和月亮遙遙相望，相互欣賞彼此的美麗。

Since ancient times, humans have never stopped their imaginations and exploration of the moon. The first person on the moon, the American astronaut Neil Armstrong, spoke these words when he set foot on the moon's surface "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind", which to this day are still relished by people. When he viewed Earth from the surface of the moon, he saw that the Earth looked like a beautiful blue orb, a bright blue jewel, hanging on the black velvet sky of the universe. The shock of this beauty also occurs on planet Earth whenever people lift their heads and gaze at the luminous moon. The Earth and moon face each other at a distance and mutually appreciate each other's beauty.

賞月的樂趣，不限於中秋佳節。在一個平常的夜晚，我和母親飯後隨性自在地走走繞繞，我們走到住家對面的學校觀景台，遠眺台北市夜景。然而，出乎我們意料之外，當晚的月亮竟然比夜景更令人著迷，基本上，那顆月亮實在太大、太亮、太圓了！它似乎爬得不太高，離我們特別近，讓我和媽咪甚至不禁懷疑起這月亮是真是假，這是真的月亮嗎？當晚的月色，就像舞台劇的布幕背景一般，美得像假的一樣。

The joys of looking at the moon are not limited to the Mid-Autumn Festival. After a meal on an ordinary evening, my mother and I were casually wandering about. We strolled down toward the school's observation deck across from home, which overlooks Taipei’s nighttime cityscape. However, to our surprise, the moon that evening was unexpectedly more fascinating than the skyline. Basically, the moon was simply too big, too bright, too round! It seemed like it hadn't climbed that high, and it being especially close to us, my mother and I could not help but begin to suspect: is this moon real or fake, could this be the true moon? The moonlight that night looked like the backdrop of a stage play, just as beautiful as it was unreal.

月亮是充滿詩意的。它的光芒是溫柔、慈愛的。難怪以月亮入詩、入歌的例子，不勝枚舉。我耳邊響起那首兒時童謠：「母親像月亮一樣，照亮我家門窗，聖潔多麼慈祥，發出愛的光芒……。」 是啊！多麼感謝神賜給我們母親。

The moon is richly poetic. Its light is gentle and loving. No wonder why instances of the moon in poetry and song are endless. My ears could hear that childhood nursery rhyme: "Mother is like the moon, illuminating the doors and windows of my home, holy and so kind, shining the light of love" Yes! We're so grateful to God for giving us mothers.

我的媽媽是一位溫柔、慈愛、活潑又樂觀的母親。她看起來總是比實際年齡年輕十歲以上。那是因為她的座右銘就是「活到老，學到老」，讓她保有一顆年輕的心。她熱愛欣賞美麗的事物，愛豐富多彩的大自然，愛朗誦「詩中有畫」的唐詩宋詞。母親生命中的美好特質，幫助我培養美的眼光，學習保持對事物高度的好奇心，和享受學習的樂趣。從小到大，我的媽媽從不吝嗇給我稱讚和鼓勵，無形中讓我建立良好的自我形像，也讓我更懂得真誠地欣賞、讚美和鼓舞他人。除此之外，在日常生活中，只要有任何好吃的東西，媽媽總會想要和我分享，共同享用。她喜歡靜靜地坐在我對面，微笑地看著我吃東西，問我好不好吃，她看見我吃東西滿足的神情，看見我開心，她就好開心！母親的慈愛與恩情，怎麼說也說不完……

My mom is a gentle, loving, lively and optimistic mother. She always looks like she's ten years younger than her real age. That's because her motto is "Live till you're old, learn till you're old", so she's still young at heart. She loves to enjoy beautiful things, she loves the rich colors of nature, she loves reciting the "painting in poetry" style poems from the Tang and Song dynasties. The great qualities in my mother's life help me cultivate beautiful insights, learn to maintain a high level of curiosity toward things, and enjoy the pleasure of learning. From when I was young, all the way until after I had grown up, my mother was never stingy in giving me praise and encouragement, which inadvertently allowed me to establish a good self-image, and also let me better understand how to sincerely appreciate, praise and inspire others. Additionally, in everyday life, if there is anything good to eat, mom will always want to share with me, to enjoy together. She likes quietly sitting across from me, watching me with a smile while I eat, asking me if it’s delicious. She'll see my content expression while eating, and seeing me happy, makes her happy too! A mother's love and kindness is hard to put into words, and yet can be spoken about endlessly...

尤其當我也成為一位母親之後，更能深深體會愛的力量。愛孩子，就是帶孩子一起禱告，領受天上的祝福。有一天晚上，當我帶著孩子做完睡前晚禱之後，孩子突然興奮地將手指向窗外，對我說：「媽咪妳看，月亮十字架！」我立即望向窗外皎潔的月亮，真的親眼看見那顆月亮四周竟散發著十字架的光芒，多麼聖潔又美麗，覺得好不可思議啊！它向我們彰顯十字架放射出救主慈愛的光輝，藉此，我和孩子一起經歷了天父的愛，那來自神——愛的奇蹟！

Especially after I became a mother, I was more able to deeply appreciate the power of love. To love children, is to take children to pray and receive the blessings of heaven. One night, after taking my child to finish his evening prayers before bed, my child suddenly and excitedly pointed his finger out the window, saying to me "mommy look, moon cross!" I immediately looked out the window at the bright moon, and actually saw the moon's light on four sides emitting a cross, so holy and beautiful, it was unbelievable! To us, the shining light displayed the crucifix, radiating our Savior's loving glory, bringing my child and me together to experience the love of the Heavenly Father, and that which comes from God—the miracle of love!

作者:譚亞菁 May.08, 2013

Translated by Parker Gadbois

海中漫步的心靈之旅 A Spiritual Journey Roaming Under the Sea

     

        記得多年前，有一句關於米製品的經典廣告詞——「有點黏又不會太黏」，這句話似乎也可以應用在婚姻關係中。如果夫妻雙方各以一個圓圈作代表，理想的婚姻關係應該是兩者有彼此重疊交集的部份，但又保有各自的圓圈。假如兩者完全重疊，就喪失了自我；兩者完全分開，形成兩個分開獨立的圓，那麼這樣和單身狀態有何不同？ 一位奧地利詩人理爾克（Rainer Maria Rilke）所說的一句話，確實讓人眼睛為之一亮：「當我們接受『甚至最親密的人之間仍有無限的距離』這現實，我們便能奇妙地結伴共處。」這句話蘊藏了夫妻雙方、兩個獨立個體之間相互包容、體諒和成全夢想！

        I remember many years ago, there was a classic ad slogan about rice products - "a little sticky, yet not too sticky". It's as if this phrase could also be used in a marital relationship. If both husband and wife were each represented by a circle, the ideal marital relationship should have two parts that overlap and intersect each other, but still retain their own respective circles. Suppose both completely overlap, then there's a loss of self; and if both are completely separate, forming two separate independent circles, then how would that be any different from being single? The phrase of an Austrian poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, will truly put a twinkle in our eyes, "Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow." This quote encompasses both husband and wife, sharing mutual tolerance, understanding, and the fulfillment of dreams between two independent individuals!

        有一天，我和老公彼此分享最近的小小夢想，他說他想一個人隱居到山中露營幾天，而我則想搭飛機出國旅遊，因為似乎有小孩之後，就好久沒出國走走了！我把這個小小願望放在禱告中。真奇妙，才過幾週，我就中了信用卡的壽星禮——泰國五日遊！我深知這是神為我預備的旅程。當然，也要感謝我先生的幫助，照顧家中兩個幼童，讓我能輕鬆享受這難得的豐盛之旅！

        One day, my husband and I both shared our most recent little dreams. He said he'd like to go to the mountains by himself and camp a few days in seclusion, while I wanted to take a plane and travel abroad, because it just seems like after having kids, that I haven't gone abroad for a stroll in a long time! I took this little wish and put it in a prayer. How marvelous, that only after a few weeks, I won a birthday gift from my credit card--a five day tour in Thailand!  I knew this was a journey prepared for me by God. Of course, I would also like to thank my husband's help, taking care of two young children at home, allowing me to relax and enjoy this rare and bountiful tour!

        我搭乘泰航，飛越南中國海，來到泰國曼谷。飛機降落那一刻，格外開心，因為我踏上這世界另一片土地，這個對我來說充滿新奇的國度。出了機場，首先映入眼簾的就是各式各樣、五彩繽紛的計程車，這裡必定是一個熱愛色彩的熱情國家。接下來幾天，我突破過往的生活經驗，嘗試了不少新事物，並展開上天下海的新體驗。譬如騎大象、看大象畫畫和踢足球，享受泰式按摩，參訪桂河大橋、水上人家，以及體驗飛上高天的拖曳傘，和潛入深水的海底漫步。旅遊最迷人之處，就是拓展你的視野，帶你進入與平日截然不同的另一個世界。

        I boarded Thai Airways, and flew over the South China Sea to Bangkok, Thailand. The moment the plane landed, I was all the more happy, because I had set foot on another piece of land in this world. This to me was a country full of wonder. Leaving the airport, I was greeted by colorful taxis of all shapes and sizes. Here was definitely a passionate country with a deep affection for color. For the next few days, I broke through common life experiences and tried quite a few new things, and even had new experiences unfold flying in the sky and diving in the sea. For example, I rode an elephant, saw elephants paint and play soccer, enjoyed a Thai massage, visited the The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Boat Dwellers. I experienced flying sky high while parasailing, along with diving down into the sea depths to roam about. The most fascinating thing about traveling has to be broadening your horizons, taking you into another world that is completely out of the ordinary.

        在所有活動中，最令我難以忘懷的就是海底漫步，我非常好奇深水中的世界是什麼樣的風景。我們一組七人，外加三名教練，搭船來到較深的海域。然後每個人要戴上一個好大好重的太空氧氣罩，輪流從船上下入深海。我第一次下去這麼深的水中，我感到緊張又有些怕水，我突然覺得呼吸好困難，水壓好沉重，在水中我向教練比了往上的手勢，決定放棄。我獨自一人上到船上等候大家，可是我全身濕透，一人在船上，海風吹來，寒風刺骨，也很不好受。

        Of all the activities, the most unforgettable had to be marching on the seabottom, for I was very curious as to what kind of landscape awaited in the deep sea-world. A group of seven people, with an extra three instructors, took a boat to some fairly deep waters. Then every person had to wear a great big heavy astro-oxygen mask, taking turns diving from the ship down into the deep sea. It was my first time to dive in such deep water. I felt nervous and a little scared, and it suddenly felt like breathing became so difficult, the water pressure so heavy, while submerged, I made a gesture toward the instructor that meant to ascend and decided to give up. I was the only person by myself up on the boat waiting for everyone, but I was drenched, alone in the boat, the ocean winds blowing a bone-chilling breeze, and all was not entirely well.

        我只好又鼓起勇氣，再次下入深海中。第二次下水時，潛水教練特別照顧我，非常柔和地、一步步帶我往下潛，我試著放鬆心情，調整呼吸，等我比出OK手勢後，第一位教練就把我的手牽給另一位教練，繼續帶領我向下探險。我深感在深海之中，我來到一個全然不同的世界，我變得那麼的無助，格外需要扶持和引導。在過程中，我學習把手交出去，學習完全交託和信靠。最後，潛入最深的水中，三名教練都圍繞著我，非常關注我的狀況，我真的有一種被細心關懷、被深深保護，被安全地牽引的感受。接著，我和其他組員順利會合，在海底我們七人手牽著手同行，這樣相互扶持攜手前進非常重要，因為若放開手，一個人就會隨著海流的推力漂走，隨波逐流！之後，我們一起享受海中世界，好多魚群游來游去，我們拿吐司餵魚群，許多魚兒游來吃吐司，魚群還親吻我的手，那種海中餵魚的感覺好奇妙！我們用水中照相機與海中珊瑚礁和眾多魚兒合影，留下海底世界的美麗記憶。

        I had no choice but to gather up the courage to once again brave the ocean depths. The second time under water, the diving instructor really took care of me, very gently, step by step taking me deeper. I tried to relax, to control my breathing. Waiting until I gave the OK gesture, the first instructor took my hand and gave it to another instructor, who then continued leading me deeper to explore. Amidst those deep waters, I was convinced I had traveled to a completely different world, I became so helpless, which made me all the more in need of support and guidance. In that process, I learned to open my arms, I learned to completely let go and trust. Finally, diving into the deepest waters, the three instructors encircled me, and were very concerned about my situation. I really had a certain feeling of receiving care and attention, of being deeply protected, and of being safely pulled along. Then, I successfully joined the other members of the group. In the ocean depths, the seven of us held hands in tandem, the mutual support from moving ahead hand in hand was very important, because if a hand went free, then a person would drift away with the force of the ocean currents, going with the flow! After that, we enjoyed the world of the sea together, with so many schools of fish swimming about. We took toast to feed the fish, many fishies swam up to eat toast, and the fish kissed my hand. That feeling of feeding fish in the ocean was wonderful! We used our water-proof camera to take photos of us with the coral reef and schools of many fishies, preserving beautiful memories of the deep ocean world.

      從海中回到船上，船隻駛向陸地，又帶領我們回到陸上的真實世界。但這次海底漫步的經驗，卻深深烙印在我腦海中，尤其在潛入深水的過程中，那種克服恐懼、學習交託與信靠的體驗，似乎也在對我心靈深處呼喚著：把手伸出去，放心地將你無助的小手，放入神滿有慈愛與能力的大手之中。凡事全然交託給主，祂總是一步步地、溫柔又堅定地引導我們，即使我們正處在人生的驚濤駭浪中，但有神在我們四圍環繞保護，有全能神陪伴我們一同探險，去發掘人生最美的寶藏，我們還何憂何懼呢？無論你處在人生的何種景況，別忘了，神親口對我們說：「你不要害怕，因為我與你同在；不要驚惶，因為我是你的神。我必堅固你，我必幫助你，我必用我公義的右手扶持你」（以賽亞書四十一10）。

        From the sea back to the ship, the vessel that sailed ashore, had also led us back to the land of the real world. But this time experiencing the march on the sea bottom, had been deeply imprinted in my mind, especially during the dive into deep water, that experience of overcoming fear, learning how to let go and trust, seems to also be in the back of my mind calling: give your hands unto God, allow your helpless little hands to be rest assured, put them into the great hands of God which are full of love and ability. Give everything completely to the Lord, He is always leading us step by step, both gentle and constant; even if we are in the stormy seas of life, God still surrounds us with protection, the Almighty still accompanies us on the same adventure to discover life's most beautiful treasures, so why should we feel need to worry or fear? No matter what your situation in life, don't forget, God Himself said to us "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

作者:譚亞菁 Dec.31, 2012
Translated by Parker Gadbois

陪伴的力量 The Power of Companionship

   

    狗是人類忠實的朋友，可惜我從小就怕狗。也許，曾經被狗追的經驗令我害怕；也許，我不知道狗兒在想什麼的不確定感令我擔心。每當看到前方有狗迎面而來，我都會莫名的擔憂，此刻的牠心情好嗎？牠是否會看我不順眼想要攻擊我？所以，我總是想盡辦法繞道而行。

   

    A dog is a man's best friend. Unfortunately, I grew up afraid of dogs. Maybe it's the experience of having been chased by a dog that makes me afraid. Maybe the uncertainty of not knowing what a dog is thinking worries me. Every time I see ahead that there's a dog approaching head-on, I always have an inexplicable fear: is it in a good mood? Is it going to dislike and attack me? So I always try to find a detour.

    某天下午，我帶孩子出門，要前往淡水竹圍的玩具圖書館。在往圖書館的路上，我們喜歡走一條山路捷徑，那是一條用石塊鋪成的階梯小徑，伴著潺潺流水聲，通過這條愜意的階梯小路，就會到達目的地。我和五歲的孩子手牽著手，快樂地向前行！沒想到走到一半，竟然有一隻大狗出現在前方階梯上，我實在不想和牠正面衝突，正想掉頭就走，可是孩子卻用充滿信心的口吻對我說：「男生都不怕狗狗的，女生才會怕，我要保護媽媽！」聽孩子這麼說，當下真是感動極了！這麼小小年紀就會保護媽咪！因著孩子的勇氣，我也變得勇敢些。我鼓起勇氣向前邁進，我們並肩同行，那是一種陪伴的力量。當我們繼續向前走，那隻大狗竟然還讓開路，讓我們順利通過，成功抵達目的地！

   

     One afternoon, I took my child out to DanShui's Zhuwei Toy Library. On the way to the library, we like to take a mountain path shortcut, a lane of stairs paved with stones, accompanied by the sound of a murmuring stream. Walking through this cozy stepping stone path will lead to our destination. Me and my five year old son walked hand in hand happily on our way! We didn't think that half way in, a large dog would suddenly appear on the steps ahead. I did not want to have a head-on collision with it, but just as I was about to turn my head and go, my child said to me with a voice full of confidence, "boys aren't scared of doggies, only girls are scared. I'll protect you mama!" When I heard my child say this, I immediately felt extremely moved! Even at such a young age he'll still protect his mommy! Because of my child's courage, I also became a little braver. I gathered the courage to move forward, both of us side by side: now that is the power of companionship. As we continued to walk forward, that big dog actually made way, allowing us to carry on smoothly and successfully arrive at our destination!

    這個經歷讓我聯想到「牧童大衛與巨人歌利亞」這個著名的聖經故事。同樣是小小年紀的大衛，在饒勇善戰的軍人眼中，他只是一個身材矮小的牧羊童。但誰能料到小小的大衛，有大大的心志。他出去迎戰歌利亞，向這位大巨人說：「你來攻擊我，是靠著刀槍；我來攻擊你，是靠著萬軍之耶和華的名」（撒母耳記上十七45）。小大衛就用機弦甩出一塊小石子，打倒大巨人。他信靠神的大能，相信神與他同在，就戰勝了強敵歌利亞。

    This experience makes me think of the famous biblical story "David and Goliath". Similarly, the young David, in the eyes of the Philistine soldiers, was nothing more than a puny shepherd boy. But who knew that little David had such great will. He went out to face Goliath, and said to the giant: "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty." (1 Samuel 17:45) Little David only used a stone and sling to bring down the big giant. His faith in the power of God, believing that God was with him, allowed him to defeat the powerful enemy Goliath.

    什麼是你心中的巨人歌利亞？那可能是你生命中難以克服的困難，是某種巨大的恐懼、憂鬱、孤寂、哀傷……我們都需要一種陪伴的力量，來伴我們前行！在聖經中說到，神的名字叫「以馬內利」：「必有童女懷孕生子，他的名要叫『以馬內利』。『以馬內利』就是『神與我們同在』的意思」（馬太福音一23）。祂時刻與我們同在，這是多麼寶貴的應許啊！

    What is the Goliath in your heart? It might be a hardship in your life that is difficult to overcome, a kind of great fear, depression, loneliness, sadness....We all need the power of companionship to stay with us as we carry on! The Bible mentions that God's name is "Emmanuel": “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)" (Matthew 1:23). He is with us always, what a precious promise this is!

    有時候，你似乎感到全世界沒有一個人真正瞭解你，還好親愛的天父上帝總是陪伴著你，祂瞭解你一切的需要，祂與你的內心深處對話，並賜你力量，破繭而出，成為美麗的蝴蝶，自由飛翔！

    Sometimes, you get a feeling like there's no one in the whole world who really understands you. Fortunately, Dear Heavenly Father is always with you. He understands all your needs, He can have a conversation with you in the back of your mind, giving you strength to break through the cocoon to emerge as a beautiful butterfly, flying free!

    神陪伴我們，也賜給我們陪伴他人的力量，就如神差派我的孩子像小天使一般，陪伴我勝過對狗兒的恐懼，我們今天也能成為他人的天使，去適時地陪伴關懷他們，因著我們的陪伴，讓我們週遭少一份孤寂，多一份溫暖。你今天想多陪陪誰嗎？

    God accompanies us, and gives us the power to accompany others, just as God sent my child, like a little angel, to accompany me through my fear of dogs, we today can also become the angels to others, swiftly accompanying and caring for them, because our companionship makes our surroundings a little less lonely, and a little more warm. Have you thought about who you'd like to accompany more today?

作者:譚亞菁 Dec. 13, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois