山上的運動會 Games on the Mountain

   

        每年十月，在涼爽的秋季，於某一個週末早晨，在陽明山上的一所公立田園小學，都會上演一年一度的溫馨運動會。學校的操場旁，橫躺著一座外型圓潤的紗帽山，操場各處繽紛的彩帶裝飾，搭配綠樹藍天、秋季暖陽，這個充滿活潑生氣的大操場，即將迎接全校一百多位小朋友的精彩演出，與各式競賽。

        Every October, in the coolness of autumn, on a certain weekend morning, a rural public elementary school in Yamingshan stages the annual Warm Games. Across the school's playground, lies the rounded Shamao Hill, and every corner of the playground is adorned with colorful ribbons that accompany the green trees, blue sky, and autumn's warm sun. This great playground, so full of life and vitality, is about to welcome brilliant performances from the entire school's one hundred plus kids, with all kinds of contests.

        這是我孩子的學校，雖然這不是我第一次來參加這場山上的運動會，但卻是最令我回味的。究竟有什麼不同呢？對我來說，最大的差別在於，往年我大多是在旁邊觀看表演和比賽，忙著幫孩子錄影和拍照，而這次我試著從旁觀者變成參與者，積極參與運動會上的多樣活動，譬如親子趣味競賽、熱情啦啦隊、家長大隊接力等活動，從中也深深感受到，要享受活動的過程，勝過比賽的結果。

        This is my children's school, although it wasn’t my first time to participate in these Games on the mountain, it still is the most memorable for me. Well, what was so different about it? For me, the biggest difference is that in previous years I mostly was on the sidelines, watching the performances and competition, busy helping the kids take video and pictures; but this time I tried to go from a spectator to a participant, actively participating in the diverse activities of the Games, such as parent-child co-op competitions, the enthusiastic cheerleaders, parent relays etc. In the midst of it all, it can be deeply felt, that enjoying the process of the activity, is better than the actual outcome of the contest.

        運動會的高潮，就是最刺激的大隊接力賽。我的孩子很愛跑步，看見他穿上紅色1號背心，他是身負重任的紅隊第一棒！當槍聲響起，他從跑道內圈最後方，一路向前衝刺，我看到那紅色的身影，超越一個又一個對手，我內心吶喊著：「孩子，你好酷！」接著看見他第一個交棒的當下，不知何故竟然「掉棒」，紅色棒子掉在跑道上，第二棒跑者將棒子撿起來向前奔馳時，已被對手超越，我看出孩子臉上露出一絲懊惱，我上前安慰、鼓勵他，並和他一起為同學熱情加油，我彷彿回到學生時代，真的好久沒這麼用力地大聲加油，基本上我有點忘了自己是媽咪，好像變回學生一般，那是一種「返老還童」的感覺吧！

    

        The climax of the games is the most exciting brigade relay race. My child loves to run, seeing him wear the red number one jersey, he is charged with the important task of the red team's first leg! When the gun sounds, he runs from the farthest back of the inner lane, sprinting all the way forward, I see that red figure, pass one opponent after another, and my heart cries out "My child, you're so cool!" Then immediately after I saw him be the first to hand off the baton, somehow unexpectedly the baton fell, the red baton had fallen on the track, when the second leg ran to pick up the baton and sprint forward, he was already overtaken by his opponent, I saw my child's face showing traces of chagrin, I went up to comfort and encourage him, and we both enthusiastically cheered on his classmates. It was just as if I had returned to my school days, it had really been a long time since I cheered so loudly. Basically I kind of forgot that I was a mommy, as if I had become a student again, that really was a kind of rejuvenating feeling!

        運動場上的情景，往往也可以反映在真實的人生。提到「掉棒」，在現實生活中，誰沒有「掉棒」過？似乎成功在望，卻因為一時的閃失、操之過急，或沒有堅持到底，而功虧一簣。但我們必須要有重新拾起棒子的勇氣，與其沉浸在自責懊惱中，不如享受生命的每一個學習過程，就如聖經中使徒保羅的名言：「忘記背後，努力面前的，向著標竿直跑」（腓立比書3:13-14）。

        Sights in the sports arena often also reflect the reality of our lives. Just like dropping the baton in real life: who's never dropped the baton before? It seems like success is within our reach, but because of a momentary slip, too much haste, or a lack of persistence till the end, we fall short of success. But we must have the courage to pick up the baton once more, for rather than be immersed in remorse and self-pity, we should enjoy every one of life's lessons, just like the famous words of the Apostle Paul in the Bible: "Forget what lies behind and strive for what lies ahead, running straight toward the goal" (Phil. 3:13-14).

        那天，「家長大隊接力」是這場山上的運動會的壓軸賽，我平日喜愛走路，卻沒有跑步的習慣，我實在猶豫要不要參加，擔心自己會不會跑太慢，會不會跌倒受傷，會不會…… 然而，看一看操場綠意盎然的草皮跑道，以及圓潤可愛的紗帽山橫躺在一旁，我心想：無論如何，在山中奔跑，會是多麼棒的體驗啊！我穿起了藍色4號背心，決定去參賽！的確，在山中盡力奔跑的感覺，真過癮！在跑步的過程中，我感覺後方似乎有一陣風追上來，我被超越了！然而，我很訝異自己雖然被超越還是這麼開心，還是這麼享受跑步的過程，在順利交棒給下一位跑者時，我鬆了一口氣，臉上洋溢著無比燦爛的笑容！那一刻我彷彿是一位勝利者，因為對我而言，我達到自己的目標：勇敢參賽、享受過程、安全歸來！

        That day, the Parent's Relay was the finale for the Games on the Mountain, I love to walk in general, but I don't really have a habit of jogging. I actually hesitated about participating, worrying to myself, what if I run too slow, what if I fall prey to injury, what if....but, I had a look at the playground's lush turf track, as well as the lovely rounded Shamao hill lying across the way, and I thought to myself, no matter what, a run in the mountains will be such a great experience! I put on the blue number four jersey, and decided to compete! Indeed, the feeling of running hard through the mountains, is beyond amazing! While running, I felt as though my back had a gust of wind chasing it…I was overtaken! However, I am surprised that although I was passed up, I was still so happy, and I still enjoyed the running that much. When I smoothly passed the baton to the next person running, I breathed a sigh of relief, and an extremely brilliant smile shown on my face! In that moment, I felt like I was a winner, because for me, I had reached my personal goal: compete with courage, enjoy the process, and safely return!

        俗話說：「人比人，氣死人」，何苦去和他人做無謂的比較呢？做一個和自己賽跑的人吧！箴言說：「沒有異象，民就放肆」（箴言29:18），提醒我們朝著真正的目標與夢想前進，是多麼重要！人生各階段都有其特定的目標和獨特的風景，其過程好比登山，在到達目的地之前，別忘了欣賞沿途的風景，每一段路的景緻都值得你細細品味。人生的過程也好比春夏秋冬，每個季節都有其獨特的美麗和迷人之處，等著你細心發掘。

        As the saying goes "If you compare your lot to others, you will only torture yourself", why bother to make a meaningless comparison to other people? Become a person that races yourself! In Proverbs it says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18), this reminds us to strive toward real goals and dreams, it's so important! Each stage of life has it's own specific goal and unique landscape, its process is like climbing a mountain, before reaching the destination, don't forget to enjoy the scenery along the way; the view from every step of the way is worth savoring. The process of life is also like spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each season has it's own unique beauty and charms, waiting for you to carefully discover them.

作者:譚亞菁 Nov.22, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois

與山有約 A Meeting With a Mountain

    

        從小生長在這座多山的美麗島嶼「台灣」，自然就有一股對「山」的眷戀之情。我喜愛那一片青翠的山，一層層的山巒有著各種不同色調的綠。山上有時陽光普照，有時雲霧繚繞，時而像一座高大的綠色城堡，時而像一幅飄逸的水墨畫作。在山上你可以放膽地大口呼吸，吸進充滿芬多精的清新空氣。你可以在物種繁多、生氣盎然的山林間，像進行一場尋寳遊戲一般，去尋覓那些美得令你驚艷的花草，或是可愛動物的蹤跡。你甚至可以對著山谷吶喊，靜靜聆聽來自山谷間的迴響……提到「山」的美麗以及對「山」的情感，那真是說也說不完！

        Since I was little I've grown up on this mountainous, beautiful island, Taiwan. Naturally, I have a nostalgic affinity for mountains. I love the verdant mountains, the layers upon layers of peaks with all different hues of green. Sometimes sunlight completely illuminates the mountain tops, sometimes mists wind among them, sometimes it's like a towering green castle, and sometimes it's like a flowing ink painting. At the peak, you can boldly take a deep breath, inhaling fresh air full of Phytoncid. You can go into a vibrant and diverse forest, as if on a treasure hunt, and look for those beautiful stunning flowers, or the traces of cute animals. You can even call out into the valleys, quietly listening for their echo.... Mention the mountain's beauty as well as our feelings toward it, and you really could talk endlessly about it!

        既然「山」是如此豐富多彩，讓人著迷，當我的孩子到了入學年齡，就去找一座山中的小學就讀吧！在參觀比較了五所學校之後，我們決定就讀位在陽明山國家公園、紗帽山麓上的一所公立田園小學。其實，不少人曾好奇地問我：「為何捨棄住家附近的學校，寧願每天開車上陽明山去上學呢？」 我想主要原因是，我希望孩子能暫時離開都市的水泥叢林，快樂擁抱美麗的大自然，我總覺得「親近自然的孩子不會變壞」，在親近大自然的過程中，能提升孩子對萬物的敏銳觀察力、豐富的好奇心、創造力，以及審美能力。同時，在山上的小學校，一個年級只有一班，這裡是一個山中大家庭，校長認識全校每一位小朋友，每個孩童都能充分得著師長的關愛。

        Since the mountains are rich in color and fascinating, when my children were of age to start school, we looked for a primary school in the mountains for them to attend! After visiting and comparing five schools, we decided that they would study in Yangmingshan National Park, at a rural public primary school atop the Shamao foothills. Actually, many people curiously asked me, "Why give up the neighborhood schools near home in favor of a daily commute to Yangmingshan to go to school?" I think the main reason is I wanted my children to be able to temporarily leave the concrete jungle of the city, and happily embrace the beauty of nature, I've always thought that "children close to nature won't become bad". The process of becoming close to nature can improve a child's keen observation of all things, enriching their curiosity, creativity, and aesthetic abilities. At the same time, for a small school in the mountains, each grade only has one class. Here, it's an extended family in the mountain, where the principal knows each student in the entire school, and each child is able to fully receive the loving care of their teachers.

        孩童的幼小心靈所最需要的，不正是能得著來自父母、師長最真摯的關懷與疼愛嗎？為何許多大人要那麼擔心所謂的競爭力，常認為千萬別讓孩子輸在起跑點上，所以除了學校功課繁重，放學後的補習文化也隨之盛行，他們背著沉重的書包，早出晚歸的日子，日復一日、年復一年，於無形中失去了多少童年的歡笑啊！我真的相信，一個孩子能真正感受到被尊重、被關愛，從小建立起健康的自我形象，並且能天天快樂學習，培養出積極、主動學習的能力，才是他最大的資產，讓他一生受用無窮！

        What do the young minds of children need most? Is it not receiving the most sincere love and care from their parents and teachers? Why are so many adults obsessed with 'competitiveness', always maintaining that you should never let children lose at the starting line, whereby in addition to arduous school work, an after class cram-school culture has emerged en masse, and kids carry heavy book bags, leaving early in the morning, returning late at night, day after day, year after year, while virtually missing out on so much childhood laughter! I truly believe, when a child can really feel respected and cared for, starting young to establish a healthy self-image, and can happily study everyday, cultivating a positive and active ability to learn, this will be his greatest asset, something his life will infinitely benefit from!

        回想起當初來到這所山中的小學，當然，學校的菜園、樹屋、五色鳥、花草果樹、藍染、溫泉池、環保校園等特色，都深深地吸引我們。然而事實上，還有一個最主要的因素，讓我們愛上這裡，那就是在這所學校的操場旁，橫躺著一座紗帽山，整個山的形狀就像日本卡通「龍貓（豆豆龍 Totoro）」 的圓圓肚子一樣，好特別又好可愛，好比豆豆龍就躺在操場旁邊一般，讓我們一來到操場，就立即目不轉睛地看著這座山！這也讓我想起詩篇121篇中的詩句：「我要向山舉目，我的幫助從何而來？我的幫助從造天地的耶何華而來。」我告訴孩子，你在學校難免會遇到一些困難、挫折，雖然媽媽無法隨時在你身邊幫助你，但天父不一樣，祂是你隨時的幫助，你可以抬頭望一望這座山，就知道你的幫助從何而來。

    

        與山有約，是每天幸福的約會！

        Recalling the first time coming to this school in the mountain, of course, the school gardens, tree houses, the colorful birds, the plants and fruit trees, blue clay, the mineral pool, and the environmentally friendly campus are all qualities that deeply attracted us. However, in reality there's still one of the most important factors that made us fall in love with this place, and that is next to the school's playground, lying across Shamao Hill, the entire shape of the mountain looks just like Round Belly from the Japanese anime "Totoro". It's so neat and cute, just as if Totoro was lying beside the playground; it made us immediately stare at the mountain as soon as we reached the playground! This also makes me think of a verse from Psalms 121 "I will lift my eyes up to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." I told my children, you will inevitably encounter some difficulties and setbacks at school, and although mommy is not able to be by your side at all times to help you, the Father is different. He is always your help; you can look up, gaze at this mountain, and know where your help comes from.

    

        A meeting with a mountain, is a date of daily happiness!

作者:譚亞菁 Nov.13, 2012 

Translated by Parker Gadbois

四位少婦的對話 A Conversation Between Four Young Wives

 
    
    某天中午，我趕時間要去辦事情，就在方便快速的麥當勞用餐。當我正坐下來準備享用食物，聽見耳邊傳來一連串對話，這會特別引起我的注意，除了因為他們說話聲音太大，最主要的原因是，我覺得他們的對話內容，有一種好不真實的感覺，似乎連續劇中的對白，卻在真實生活中上演！那是來自我隔壁桌，四位少婦的對談：

    At noon one day, I was short on time for running errands, so I got a meal in a McDonald's, quick and convenient. As I was sitting down to enjoy some food, I heard a series of conversations from the corner of my ear. This particularly caught my attention, but not just because their gossiping voices were too loud. The main reason was that I thought the content of their discussion had a kind of insincere feeling to it, as if it were a soap opera dialogue, but one that was being performed in real life! It came from the table next to me, a conversation between four young wives:

    甲婦面帶愁容，安靜聆聽她的朋友說話。

  乙婦說：「妳老公買了兩套衣服，妳也要跟著買，現在妳老公都不想帶妳出門了，如何抓住他的心。」

  丙婦說：「連妳老公、小孩都嫌棄妳了，妳要去整整衣服和髮型了。」

  丁婦說：「一天當中，只要有人（甚至路人）說妳好漂亮，氣色好好哇! 妳整個人就會高興不得了，精神就來了！」

  乙婦說：「妳悶著一張苦瓜臉，老實說，連我都不想接近妳了……」

  我實在忍不住轉頭看看她們說話的神情，是那麼「自以為是的自信」，我心想：「天啊！這是怎樣的一羣『朋友』啊！」

    The first woman looked rather worried as she quietly listened to her friends talk.

    The second woman said: " Your husband bought two sets of clothes, so you should buy two sets. Your husband doesn't even take you out anymore, how are you keeping him interested?"

    The third woman said: "Even though your husband and your children despise you, you should go all out for the clothes and hairstyles."

    The fourth woman said: "During the day, all you need are people (even people on the street) to say how beautiful you are and how great your complexion is! You'll be sooo happy, and energetic too!"

    The second woman said: "You and your bunched up bitter face, honestly, even I don't want to be near you...."

    I really couldn't help but turn my head and look at their expressions, which were just that "I am sooo self-confident" look. I thought to myself "My goodness, how is this a group of friends?!"

    就在此時，甲婦的兒子來找她，只對她說了一句「我要走了！」然後她小孩就真的掉頭就走、說走就走，非常有個性，也不管媽媽是否還要留下來……此刻，我終於聽見甲婦說話了，她大喊一聲「兒子~~」就追了出去，我望著她孤寂的背影，耳邊聽見她的朋友說：「她能怪誰呢？只能怪自己，誰叫她要讓小孩牽著鼻子走！」此時此刻，我覺得她的背影顯得更加孤寂無奈了……

    At that moment, the son of the first woman came up, and only said to her "I wanna go!" then her son turned and left—I wanna go so let's go. He was really rude, and also didn't care if his mom still wanted to stay or not.....then, I finally heard the first woman speak: she shouted, "…son!" and followed him out. I stared at her lonely silhouette and overheard her friend say "Who is she to blame? She can only blame herself. Who's the one letting her own child lead her by the nose?!" At that moment, I thought her silhouette looked even more lonely and helpless...

    雖然我不認識她，我卻為她感到難過，我幾乎可以想像，她的婚姻與家庭生活充滿了恐懼不安，她得不到家人的關愛與尊重，甚至週遭朋友也帶給她無形的傷害，她的遭遇真讓人有一種難以言喻的悲哀！

    Although I don't know her, I really felt sorry for her. I can almost imagine how her marriage and family life must be full of fear and anxiety, how she doesn't receive a family's love and respect. Even being around friends gives her an invisible pain. Her misfortune would really make people feel a kind of indescribable sadness!

    然而，在這同時，我也不由自主地想起我的先生和孩子，我內心突然升起由衷的感謝，因為我從來不必擔心要如何穿著打扮來取悅丈夫，從來不曾煩惱要如何抓住他的心，而我的孩子最愛對我甜言蜜語，似乎無論我看起來如何，我永遠都是他們心目中最最漂亮可愛的媽咪！我的家人是如此接納我、關愛我、肯定我，讓我的婚姻與家庭生活充滿安全感與自由！

    At the same time, however, I couldn't help but think of my husband and children. My heart suddenly rises to a heartfelt gratitude, because I've never had to worry about how to dress in order to please my husband, I've never once had to fret over how to keep him interested, and my children love to say the most sweetest things to me, it seems like no matter how I look, in their minds I'll always be the absolute most prettiest cutest mommy! My family accepts me like this, and loves me, the real me, which makes my marriage and family life filled with a sense of security and freedom!

    婚姻中那份安全感和自由自在是何其寶貴，遠勝過任何浪漫感受。聖經「箴言」中有一句話說：「艷麗是虛假的，美容是虛浮的，惟敬畏耶和華的婦女必得稱讚！」（箴言31：30） 我相信「自然就是美」，從內在生命所散發出的光芒才是真正的美麗，你同意嗎？也許我們都能愈老愈美麗！

     In a marriage, that sense of security and freedom is so precious, and far better than any kind of romantic feeling. In the Bible, the book of Proverbs has a saying, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised!" (Proverbs 31:30) I believe that "what is natural is beautiful" and that the brilliant radiance of life emitting from within us all is the only true beauty, don't you agree? Perhaps we all can become more beautiful as we age!

作者:譚亞菁 Oct.21, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois

感動力 The Power to Feel

 

        前陣子有一位我最欣賞的節目主持人說了一段話，令我印象深刻，她說：「我一直覺得，能夠在心中有感動，是很重要的能力，沒有感動，就沒有幸福。」怪不得，我從小就喜歡看她主持的節目，她不僅說話幽默、分寸合宜、充滿智慧，還有一種特別的親切感，一種真情的流露。她能夠成為這麼受歡迎的主持人，我想最主要的原因，是因為她擁有「感動的能力」

        A while back, one of my most admirable show hosts said some things that left a deep impression on me. She said “I’ve always thought, for our hearts to have the capacity to be moved, is an important ability; without feeling there can be no joy.” No wonder, ever since I was little, I liked to watch the shows she hosts. She not only speaks with humor, poise, and wisdom, but also with a special kind of intimacy, a kind of sincerity. The reason she was able to become such a popular host, I think for the most part, is because she possesses “an ability to feel”!

        在這個凡事講究效率、競爭力的時代，似乎那種懂得去感覺、去感動的能力卻隨之減弱。但若細心觀察則不難發現，那些社會上的傑出人士，舉凡一些成功的音樂家、畫家、導演、作家、教育家、企業家……他們成功的因素，除了對目標的堅持、執著與努力不懈之外，通常還包括一種寶貴的能力，就是「感動力」！ 也許只是一個歷盡滄桑的背影、一雙閃閃發亮的眼神、一道美麗動人的彩虹、一句中肯的鼓勵、一個貼心的幫助、一抹真心的微笑……都因著用心去感受周遭，善用「感動力」，而讓周遭的一切不再理所當然，而是充滿大大小小的感動，成為創作的靈感泉源，帶來無限的創意！

        In an age where everything is focused on efficiency and competitiveness, it seems like that certain kind of understanding of how to feel, the ability to feel, has actually diminished. However, when carefully observed, it's easy to see that the heroic figures in our society, all of those successful musicians, painters, directors, writers, educators, entrepreneurs ...... and their factors for success, in addition to persistence, dedication and hard work toward their goals, typically also includes a valuable ability: the power to feel! Perhaps it is the silhouette of someone enduring hardship, a pair of sparkly shiny eyes, a beautiful and touching rainbow, poignant words of encouragement, a thoughtful helping hand, a sincere smile...only by intentionally feeling our surroundings do we utilize 'the power to feel', which no longer allows everything around us to be taken for granted, but rather fills us with feelings large and small, becoming the source for creative inspiration, bringing us unlimited creativity!

        生活中缺乏感動的能力，就缺乏幸福。今天什麼事令你感動，或者你帶給誰感動嗎？我很喜歡聖經創世記說到，神創造了世上萬物，「祂看著一切所造的都甚好」。我相信去發現萬事萬物、包括每個人，原先被創造的美麗與獨特，會帶給我們最真實的感動。尤其當我得知，在白茫茫的雪地裡，每一片小雪花都各自擁有自己的特色，竟然沒有一片小雪花的結晶是相同的，這更讓我確信，那位創造主是多麼看重祂所造的一切，連一片小雪花都不例外，都擁有那獨一無二的美麗，更何況我和你！

        A life lacking the ability to feel is a life lacking happiness. What happened today that made you feel, or did you make someone feel? I really like the Book of Genesis where it says that God created all things in this earth: "He saw all that he had made, and it was very good". I believe that realizing all things and everything, including every person, were inherently created to be beautiful and unique, will bring us the truest feeling. Especially when I learned that in the vast expanses of white snow, every single snowflake has its very own characteristics, in fact, no two snowflake crystals are alike. This makes me confident that our creator has placed so much importance on all His creations, even the tiniest snowflake is not overlooked, such that each snowflake possesses a one of a kind beauty, not to mention me and you!

        上回去金山海邊時，在藍天白雲的襯托下，海水顯得格外湛藍，再加上海岸邊高聳壯麗的岩石、岩洞，讓人忍不住想拍照留念。然而，正當我和友人手拿相機、踩著浪花，踏上一塊海中大石頭，準備捕捉某個鏡頭時，我卻一不小心在石頭上滑倒，整個人連同相機滑入海水中，我的心愛相機就這樣泡水壞掉了……當下雖然心痛，但反而學習「用眼睛當相機，用心靈當底片」，壯闊美景不再侷限於相機框框中，不再急著拍照、錄影，而是專心活在當下，全心感受周遭景緻，盡情享受與家人朋友的互動同樂，那天我看見了相機之外的另一片風景，似乎更加迷人、真實、動人！

        The last time I went to Jinshan beach, against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, the sea an extraordinary deep blue, and all along the coast the towering and majestic rocks and caves, we couldn’t help but want to take pictures. Well, just as a friend and I were taking out our cameras, stepping out on the waves, treading atop a large boulder in the sea, I was preparing to snap a shot, but I accidentally slipped on a stone, and my whole body, along with my camera, fell into the ocean. This is how my beloved camera became waterlogged and ruined. I was heartbroken, but only momentarily, because I learned that "when you use your eyes as a camera, your soul becomes the photograph". The magnificent scenery was no longer confined to the camera's frame, there was no longer a rush to take pictures or video, there was only focus on living in the moment, all of my being took in the surrounding views, indulged in the enjoyment of interacting and having fun with friends and family. That day, I saw another kind of scenery outside the camera, and it seems more charming, real, and moving!

        在生活中偶爾放下相機、放下手機，脫離所謂的「手機低頭族」，用單純的心去專心感受周遭，恢復你的「感動力」，尋回生命中的「甚好」！笛卡爾的經典名言「我思故我在」，帶給我許多啟發，如今我想說：我「感動」故我在……

         In life occasionally put down the camera, put down the phone, break away from the so called "smartphone addicts", and with a pure heart focus on your surroundings, restore your 'power to feel', put the "very good" back in your life! Descartes' classic and famous "I think therefore I am" gives me a lot of inspiration, and now I want to say: " 'I feel' therefore I am…"

作者:譚亞菁 Oct.11, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois

另類接機 An exceptional pickup

(本文刊載於聯合報 2012年11月2日 繽紛版 / 2013年10月講義雜誌轉載)

    
    談到去機場接機，當然不是什麼特別的事，但是我第一次自己開車去接機的經驗，真的很另類! 因為我不知道對方搭什麼班機、幾點的班次、在第幾航廈，而且完全沒有和對方約好，竟然還能在這麼大的國際機場順利接到人！真的很厲害，也很戲劇化吧! 
  Let's face it, going to the airport isn't anything out of the ordinary, but my first experience driving a car to the airport by myself is definitely an exception! I wasn't sure of my party's flight number, flight time, or terminal, and didn't even make the proper arrangements, yet to my surprise I was still able to make a smooth pickup at such a huge international airport! Pretty impressive right? It was pretty dramatic too!

    前陣子，我先生去新加坡出差一週，他要回台北當天早上，來電告訴我，他和同事大約會在中午搭飛機回台灣，他們會自己搭大眾交通工具回家。由於我平日較少開高速公路，再加上當天我必須去鶯歌參加好朋友的「新家落成Party」，所以我並不打算去接機。
  A while back, my husband went to Singapore on business for a week. On the morning of his return to Taipei, he called to tell me him and his colleague figured they'd take the noon flight back to Taiwan, and then each take public transportation home. Now normally, I don't always drive on the highway, plus I had to go to my close friend's Housewarming Party in YingGe that day, so I really hadn't planned on driving to the airport.

突發奇想
    在好友的新家，我們欣賞鶯歌小鎮的風光，享受豐盛的美食，以及溫暖的友情。就在下午將要離開的時候，屋外突然下起傾盆大雨，也許雨實在太大了，我竟突然有ㄧ個感動，決定要帶著孩子去機場接機，免得老公在滂沱大雨中提著行李回家……當然！我們也想順便給他ㄧ個大驚喜！

    我只聽說鶯歌離桃園機場不遠，至於究竟要怎麼開去機場，我並不清楚。然而，我得承認，我喜歡生活中的小小冒險，以開車來說，我喜愛開車去任何嚮往的地方，就算路線不熟，但我會看著路上指標開車，而且我特別喜歡「看路標」 的感覺，因這會讓我聯想到：在漫長的人生道路上，我們會遇到許多十字路口，或面臨各式各樣的問題，我們是多麼需要正確的指引，來幫助我們作出智慧的抉擇。我相信「聖經」就是神的話，就好比路上的指標一樣，能為我們人生各個層面提供引導與正確的方向，讓我們能走上被神保護和祝福的道路！

Acting on a whim
  At my friend's new house, we were taking in the scenery of the town, enjoying a hearty meal and the warmth of friendship. In the afternoon just when I was about to leave, there was a sudden downpour of rain outside the house. Perhaps there was simply too much rain, for I suddenly had a notion: I was going to bring my kids to the airport to pick up my husband so that he wouldn't get caught hauling luggage in this torrential rain on his way home...and that was that! We were going to give him a big surprise!     

  I'd only heard that YinGe wasn't far from TaoYuan airport, but as for knowing exactly how to get there, I wasn't quite sure. However, I must admit, I enjoy life's little adventures, and as far as driving goes, I love driving to any desirable place. Even if I don't know the route, I'll still look out for the road signs, because I really like that "watching the signs" feeling. It just makes me think, on this long road of our lives, we'll come across many crossroads, or be confronted with all kinds of problems. We will then have a great need for proper guidance to help us make wise decisions. I believe The Bible is the word of God, and just like the signs on the road, it's able to offer guidance and direction for every aspect of our lives, allowing us to walk down the path that is protected and blessed by God!

勇氣
    其實，我也不知道是哪來的勇氣，基本上我只知道老公會在中午從新加坡上飛機，其餘的航班資訊，我一概不知，外加在豪大雨中，又路況不熟，而且和老公完全沒有約好的情況下，我展開生平第一次自己開車去接機的旅程。然而，我就是有ㄧ種莫名的信心會接到他，當然在開車的過程中，我ㄧ路向神禱告，求神幫助，因為只有神能安排最奇妙的時間點和各樣環節，祂會帶領一切，無論是大事或小事！
Courage
  Actually, I don't even know where the courage came from. Basically, I only knew my husband would fly in from Singapore that afternoon, and as for any other information about the flight, I was clueless, not to mention the heavy rain, unfamiliar roads, and no prior arrangements for the pickup. And so, for the first time in my life driving to the airport by myself, I set out on the journey.
Somehow, I had this strange sense of confidence I would meet up with him, of course while driving, I'd pray to God, asking for His help, because only God can arrange the most wonderful timing, and a marvelous series of events. Whether the matter be big or small, He will lead all. 

神奇的Timing
    我看著高速公路上的指標，順利開到桃園國際機場，我直覺他應該是搭「新加坡航空」吧！我找到「新航SQ」是在第二航廈，於是我把車暫停在第二航廈門口，跑進去看「航班時刻看板」，原本沒發現下午有SQ的班機，正有點想放棄時，突然瞄到看板換第二頁，立刻看到有一班四點五十分到達的「新加坡航空」，而此時，我看看手錶，我到機場的時間是四點五十五分，我直覺老公一定是搭這架班機，所以他的飛機才剛降落，而要出海關約三十分鐘，這個Timing太奇妙了！我立刻匆匆忙忙帶孩子去停車，然後一路衝到入境大廳，我們三人六隻眼睛，直盯著入境出口的電視螢幕，深怕我們會錯過老公的身影，結果半個多小時後，老公和他的同事真的出現了！我大叫他的名字，而兩個孩子也熱情地從走廊的一端朝爸爸奔跑過去，邊跑邊叫「爸爸~爸爸~」，還真是感人的畫面啊！而老公當然是又驚又喜，嚇一大跳我們會去接他！我內心好感謝神，讓我們真的順利接到他，我也不禁讚嘆神所預備的Timing，和放在我心中的勇氣與直覺！
Perfect Timing
  Following the signs on the highway, I made it smoothly to TaoYuan International Airport. I thought that he probably flew Singapore Airlines right? I saw 'SQ' was at terminal 2 and stopped the car at the terminal entrance, then I ran inside to look at the flight schedule. At first, I didn't find any afternoon flights for Singapore Airlines, but just as I was about to give up, I glanced down when the display suddenly switched to a second page and immediately saw a 4:50pm flight from Singapore Airlines. Then, I checked my watch. I got to the airport at 4:55pm, and instinct told me my husband definitely took this flight, so his plane just landed and getting out of customs should take about thirty minutes, this was some great timing!  In haste, I immediately took the kids to park the car, then ran all the way to the arrival hall. We've got six eyes between the three of us, all staring at the TV screens in the hall's exit, afraid we might miss spotting my husband's figure, but over a half hour later, my husband and his colleague showed up! I called out his name, and our two boys ran with enthusiasm from one end of the corridor to their father, running and shouting "daddy, daddy!" It was such a moving sight! And of course my husband was surprised and delighted, shocked that we came to pick him up! In my heart, I was thanking God, helping us pick up my husband without a hitch and for putting the necessary instinct and courage in my heart. I also couldn't help but praise God for his timing!

美中不足
    我正得意自己既完美又浪漫的接機行動時，卻發現怎麼找不到我們的車子！由於剛剛匆忙停車，然後ㄧ路衝刺，怕錯過他出來的時間，所以我沒有仔細記得停車場的路徑。對我們來說，這時的停車場就像ㄧ個大迷宮，老公拉著重重的行李，拖著疲憊的身體，跟著我們在停車場繞來繞去，折騰了老半天，好不容易找到車子，我竟然又差點找不到車鑰匙和停車票！從老公的表情，我知道他可能覺得：我早就說你們不用來接我呀！我早知道自己回去就好了！而我卻覺得，無論如何，我們可是這麼有誠意和勇氣來接他，他怎麼可以有ㄧ絲不悅？
    這就是婚姻！婚姻生活中有驚喜、甜蜜，也有美中不足，和許多需要相互包容的時刻。聖經說：「凡事包容，凡事相信，凡事盼望，凡事忍耐，愛是永不止息」（哥林多前書十三7-8）我相信這是通往幸福人生的「路標」！你呢？
Nothing is perfect
  It's when I was taking pride in a perfect and romantically executed airport pickup, that I realized I couldn't find our car!  I had just hastily parked the car and sprinted away, worried we'd miss him on his way out, so I didn't carefully remember the way through the parking lot. As far as we were concerned, this time the parking lot was like a big maze. My husband, tugging along with his heavy luggage, dragging around his exhausted body, followed us all over the parking lot for a long time, until we finally found the car. Then, unexpectedly, I almost couldn't find the car keys or parking ticket! From my husband's expression I knew what he was thinking: "I told you before you didn't have to pick me up. I should have just gone home by myself." But me, I was thinking regardless, we were so sincere and courageous to come and pick him up, how could he be the least bit miserable? 
  Well, that's marriage for you! Married life has surprises, joy, and imperfections, as well as the many moments of necessary mutual tolerance. The Bible says "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends" (I Corinthians 13:7-8). I believe this "road sign" can lead us to a life of happiness! What do you think?

作者:譚亞菁 May.3, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois

平凡中的幸福 Ordinary Happiness

(本文刊載於基督教論壇報 2012年5月26日，第3392期)

   下了近一週的雨，實在不習慣明明是「杜鵑花」開的三月，卻像冬天一樣的嚴寒!然而，今天太陽終於露臉了! 希望這回「春天」真的來囉!

    早上吃完豐盛的早餐之後，我的兩個孩子恩強、恩立迫不及待要出門玩球，我們決定去對面的「台北藝術大學」大操場踢足球、打籃球、和跑步! 小男生總是有用不完的精力! 而面對翻譯截稿壓力的我，就順道帶著手提電腦到戶外翻譯去！

    With nearly a full week of rain, I'm really not used to seeing these bright March Azaleas when I can still feel winter's bitter chill! However, today the sun finally showed its face. I hope Spring's return is actually here!
     In the morning, after eating a hearty breakfast, my two sons EnQiang and EnLi couldn't wait to go out and play ball. We decided to play football, basketball, and run at the big playground opposite our home on the Taipei National University of the Arts campus! Boys always have an endless amount of energy! While I, facing the pressure of a translation deadline, saw an opportunity to take my laptop along to translate outdoors!

美麗的校園

    雖然「台北藝術大學」就在家正對面，但前陣子濕濕冷冷的天氣，讓我們也好一陣子沒去那裡走走了。我們在到達操場之前，會先經過學校中的森林步道、大草原，並沿路欣賞綻放的花朵，今天還發現校園中又有新的藝術作品，印象最深刻的是用大理石雕刻的超酷「賽車」、用廢鐵條創作的逼真「犀牛」，以及在動畫系館前出現好巨大的「無敵鐵金剛」！在這個美麗的校園裡，總是處處有驚喜!

    走到了我們最愛的大操場，兩個小男生盡情地在操場奔跑、玩球，而我走上籃球場旁高高的階梯，找一個樹下陰涼的位置，在那裡打開手提電腦翻譯。我特別喜愛這個大操場，因為它被群山環繞，還能居高臨下看見關渡平原、台北市景、甚至台北101，這裡顯得一片青翠又無比遼闊，讓人心曠神怡！

A Beautiful Campus
    Although The Taipei National University of the Arts is just opposite our house, the recent damp and cold weather also kept us from walking there in awhile. Before we reached the playground, we first passed through the school's forest path and prairie fields, and enjoyed the blooming flowers along the way. Today we also discovered the new works of art on campus. Some of the most memorable were a super cool race car carved out of marble, a lifelike rhinoceros made from strips of scrap metal, along with an enormous "Mazinger Z" replica standing in front of the animation department! This beautiful campus is always full of surprises! 
    We walked to our favorite playground, the two boys played ball and ran around to their heart's content. I climbed atop the basketball court bleachers looking for a spot in the shade under a tree where I could open up my laptop and translate. I'm particularly fond of this playground, because it's surrounded by mountains, yet from a high vantage you can view below the Guandu Plain, the Taipei city skyline and even Taipei 101. All of it seems so green and vast, it makes people feel carefree and happy!

意外的插曲

    在美景相伴下，一陣陣微風吹來，我坐在高高的階梯上，一邊翻譯、一邊看著操場上兩個孩子的身影。雖然我沒有緊跟在孩子們的身邊，但我從高處往低處看，反而更清楚看見孩子們的動態。此時，我抬頭看著晴朗的天空，突然感覺到天父上帝也正是如此眷顧著祂的兒女，祂能看見並照管著一切。

    正因為如此，我學習做個能適度放手的媽媽。我看到恩立被小狗追，後來小狗的主人出來安慰弟弟不要害怕；而恩強正在專注地看哥哥姊姊們玩滑板時，突然天外飛來一顆籃球，正好打到他的頭，他開始摸著頭哭泣，我心想怎麼會這樣？但也許是我看見了那顆球的力道不太強，我沒有立刻衝下樓梯去看他的情況，我只有用關懷的眼神注視著他，而他含著淚水的雙眼也看著我，接著，那位不小心闖禍的人，也隨著恩強眼神所望的方向，找到了在階梯上的我，知道我是他的媽媽，連忙向我道歉，我雖然覺得心痛，也只能故作鎮定，向下喊到：「沒關係！」而我的內心則不斷向神禱告，求主醫治保護恩強。

An Unexpected Interlude
    Amidst the beautiful scenery, gentle gusts of wind blew by, me, sitting on those high bleachers, translated while watching the silhouettes of two boys on the playground. I wasn't beside the kids, but from a higher point looking down, I could see their movements more clearly. At that moment, I turned my head, looked at the sunny sky, and suddenly felt how God the Father is truly taking good care of His children, that He is able to see and take care of everything.
    Because of this, I'm a mom that's learned how to let go in moderation. I saw EnLi being chased by a dog, and afterwards the dog's owner assuring him to not be afraid; and while EnQiang focused his attention on watching the other college students skateboard, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a basketball came flying in, hitting him right in the head. He rubbed his head and cried, and I thought to myself how could this have happened? Maybe because I noticed how the ball's force wasn't too powerful, I didn't immediately run down the stairs to take a look at his condition. I was only gazing at him with an expression of love and care, and he was looking at me with those watering eyes; then, that careless person who caused the trouble, also followed the direction of his stare, finding me at the top of the bleachers, knowing I was his mother, and quickly apologized to me, and although it hurt me, I pretended to be calm and shouted down "It's alright!", but my heart was constantly praying to God, asking the Lord to heal and protect EnQiang.

一顆球的祝福

    他被球打到之後，就坐在一旁休息，不久，他走上高高的階梯來找我，還帶了好甜的梨子給我吃，原來是他在球場休息時，打球的哥哥姊姊給他的。我摸摸他的頭，問他頭還疼不疼，他說不怎麼痛了，我就放心多了。他吃完好吃的水果，又恢復了力氣。

    因著那一顆意外打中他的球，他突然得著一羣哥哥姊姊們的關愛，我看到有一位大哥哥，聽說是足球隊隊長，陪著恩強、恩立兩兄弟一起開心地踢足球，還有好幾位同學，陪著兩兄弟玩耍，甚至當起臨時保姆，陪他們到學校的便利商店買飲料！我覺得這種感覺好奇妙，原本是互不認識的陌生人，因著一顆球，變成一羣友善的哥哥姊姊，讓我們享受到甜美的水果、愛心的關懷，和一起同樂的美好時光！

The Blessing of a Ball
    After being hit by the ball, he sat on the sidelines to rest for a bit, before long, he walked up the bleachers to see me, carrying with him sweet pears for me to eat. He got them while recuperating, from the other college students playing basketball. I patted his head, asked him if his head hurt or not, and he said it didn't hurt much. I felt much better. He ate some delicious fruit, which renewed his strength.
    The accidental hit on the head from that ball had EnQiang suddenly surrounded by a group of college kids tending to him. I saw an older boy, (I've heard he's the captain of the soccer team), happily play football together with EnQiang and EnLi. A couple of students joined in on the fun, and took them to the school's convenience store to buy drinks almost like older siblings taking care of their two younger brothers. It felt wonderful; originally, a group of strangers who had never met, then, all because of one ball, the kids became a group of friends. We all enjoyed sweet fruit, loving care, and had a great time together!

幸福的陪伴

    所謂「因禍得福」，就是這個道理吧！回程時，我對兩兄弟說，原本「被球打到」這件看似不好的事情，沒想到卻因為「這一顆球」帶來額外的祝福！這讓我想到聖經中有一句話說：「要常常喜樂、不住的禱告、凡事謝恩」，相信每一件發生在我們身上的大事情、小事情，都蘊藏著神的美意與祝福。

    我們走在回家的路上，又發現學校樹林中有新的木頭步道，我們三人好奇地走在新的步道上，邊走邊玩「123木頭人」遊戲，孩子還教我玩「幸運草」，非常有趣！我們走著走著，突然聞到一種「牛的味道」，果然一轉彎，就看見一頭牛正在吃草，還吃得津津有味，沒想到恩立卻說：牛牛一個人在那裡好孤單，你看，牛牛的臉有一種想哭想哭的感覺。我很訝異他有這樣的觀察，我們仔細一看，真的耶!牛牛的臉好憂鬱。牛牛似乎了解我們的關懷，我們正要和牠道別時，牠突然一直回頭望著我們，似乎捨不得我們離開，我們就對牠說，下次會再來看你喔！

    與其說我陪伴孩子，不如說是孩子陪伴我，我的兩個孩子也是我最好的朋友，他們的赤子之心，總是提醒我，要在心態上回轉變成像小孩子的樣式，如此更能發現平凡生活中的不平凡；更能發掘平凡中的幸福，無須捨近求遠，原來時刻都在你我身邊！你今天發現了什麼幸福呢?

Accompanied by Happiness
    The old saying about events being a "blessing in disguise" is really true! On the way home, I said to my boys, you know, getting "hit by a ball" could have been such a bad thing, but who would have thought "this one ball", would bring us an extra blessing! This made me think of a verse from the Bible: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances."（1 Thessalonians 5:16-18）. I believe every event that happens to us, whether big or small, bears the good will and blessings of the Lord.
    While walking on the road home, we discovered a new wooden path in the middle of the school's forest. The three of us walked with curiosity on the new path, walking and playing the "123 Wood People" game, and the kids also taught me how to play "Clover", both are really interesting! We walked and walked, and suddenly smelled a kind of "cow smell". Sure enough, at the next turn, we saw a cow eating grass, chewing it up with gusto. Without hesitation EnLi said "One cowcow by himself over there is so lonely, look, cowcow's face looks like it's gonna cry" I was shocked he had this kind of observation. We looked carefully...he was right! Cowcow's face was so depressed. Cowcow seemed to understand our concern, while we said our goodbyes, it kept rearing its head back in our direction, suddenly looking at us, almost as if he didn't want us to leave! We just said to him "next time we'll come back to see you!"
    Instead of saying I accompanied my children, it's better to say my children accompanied me. My two kids are also my best friends. Their childlike innocence always reminds me to return to a state of mind like that of a child's, that in this way, we are more able to realize the unordinary-ness of ordinary life, more able to discover happiness in the 'ordinary', and how there's no need to seek from afar that which is close at hand because it's been by our side all along! What happiness have you discovered today?

作者:譚亞菁 Mar.17, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois

向日葵的天空 A Sunflower Sky

    
        如果你是一朵花，想要成為哪一種花呢？是嬌豔的玫瑰、清香的桂花、熱情的木棉、高雅的薰衣草，還是有「花中君子」美稱的荷花？

        If you were a flower, which kind would you be? A tender rose, a fragrant osmanthus, a warm kapok, an elegant lavender, or a chivalrous lotus?

        如果我是一朵花，我渴望成為一朵向日葵，那是一種來自「光」的魅力！無論晴天雨天、白日黑夜，無論周遭的環境如何，向日葵總是向著太陽轉動。向日葵的天空，是一片「與光共舞」的天空！

        If I were a flower, I’d long to be a sunflower, a kind of magic that comes from “light”! Whether rain or shine, day or night, and regardless of the surrounding environment, a sunflower always turns toward the sun. A sunflower sky is a sky that dances with light!

        光的相反是「黑暗」。在某一個無風又無雨的夜晚，我從巴士下車，赫然發現我所住的山坡上竟然大停電，路旁的商店和住家都沒有半點燈光，眼前好黑暗，好不尋常的安靜。當我一個人走在回家的路上，那晚，街道上空無一人，少了路燈和月光的陪伴，我好像走在一個漆黑死寂的城鎮中，原本熟悉的街道，變得好陌生、好漫長，心中也感到好孤單、好害怕……當時的我，好想念「光」，就算只有一根小蠟燭的光都好!

        The opposite of light is ‘darkness’. One night, with no wind or rain, I got off the bus, and was surprised to find the mountainside where I lived had an unexpected power outage. Side-street shops and homes were without light, before my eyes was total darkness, and it was unusually quiet. As I was alone walking home, that night, there was not a single person on the street, and without the company of streetlights or moonlight, it seemed as though I was walking through a dark ghost town. What once was a familiar street, became strange, and endless, and my heart felt lonely, and afraid…At that time, I really missed ‘light’, where even a little light from a candle would have been just fine!

        有一句話說：「與其詛咒黑暗，不如點亮燭光。」在這世界上，在我們生命中，無論那黑暗是多麼的深、多麼的大，都不足以熄滅一支小蠟燭的光亮！然而，什麼是「光」？ 聖經說：「神就是光，在他毫無黑暗！」（約翰一書一：5）。一旦讓「光」進來，黑暗就無容身之地！

        There is a proverb that says, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” In this world, in our lives, however deep or great that darkness may be, it’s never enough to extinguish the light of a small candle! But what is ‘light’? The bible says: “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Once we let in the ‘light’, darkness has nowhere to hide!

        試著在我們的心田種下向日葵的希望種子，讓心中的那一片向日葵花海，向著生命的「真光」而綻放！就像向日葵，堅持選擇迎向陽光，我們也來成為「與光共舞」的光明之子吧！那麼，這個看似黑暗的世界，將會變得大大不同！你相信嗎？

        Try planting sunflower seeds of hope in our hearts, letting the sunflower blossom within, and watch the ‘true light’ of life bloom! Just like a sunflower, persistently facing the sun’s rays, we can all join the waltz in the sky, and dance as children of light! Then, this seemingly dark world will be remarkably different! Do you think so too?

作者:譚亞菁 Oct.2, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois