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

從少年Pi眼中的神談起 God, as seen through the character Pi, and other thoughts

      

      在《少年Pi的奇幻漂流》（Life of Pi）這部探討信仰的電影中，很自然地，會將觀眾的目光導向人與上帝之間的關係。尤其特別的是，主角Pi同時信奉印度教、基督教、伊斯蘭教三種宗教，讓人不禁思索一個問題，也正是電影中Pi的父親在全家用餐時對他說：「你同時信仰三個宗教，不就等於什麼都不信？」然而，Pi的母親接下來所說的話，也同樣發人深省，她說：「給Pi這一段追尋信仰的過程，這對他是好的……」

      "Life of Pi", a film that explores faith, naturally will draw the audience's attention to the relationship between man and God. The most interesting aspect of this is the protagonist Pi, who simultaneously believes in three religions: Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. People cannot help but think this to be a problem, which is also what Pi's father says to Pi in the film during a family meal, "You have faith in three religions, is that not the same as no faith at all?" However, Pi's mother's following words are also thought provoking, she says, "Give Pi time to seek out faith, it will be good for him..."

      人生不就是一段尋尋覓覓的過程嗎？舉凡尋找合適的學校、理想的工作、心目中的Mr. / Miss Right、幸福的婚姻、人生的夢想，真實的信仰。其中信仰更是一生的追尋，關乎生命的核心價值。它好比生命列車的火車頭，帶領各節車廂在軌道上奔馳。

      Isn't life just a prolonged period of searching? Just like looking for the right school, the ideal job, your heart's Mr./Miss Right, a happy marriage, your life's dream, a true faith. Among these, faith is even more so a lifelong pursuit, relating to the core value of life. It can be considered the engine to the train of life, one that leads the other train cars rolling quickly down the tracks.

   

      當你尋覓到正確的信仰價值觀，就好像「扣子」的比喻，當衣服的第一顆鈕扣扣對了，下面每一顆扣子就能依序地各就各位。反之，如果第一顆扣子扣錯了，接下來就是一連串的錯誤。

      When you find the right faith values, it's kind of like a metaphor for buttons. When the first button on the clothing is fastened correctly, each button below is able to fasten in its place one by one. On the other hand, if the first button is fastened incorrectly, what follows is a series of errors.

      錯誤的信仰價值觀，就如毛巾上的破洞。每當我發現自己心愛的洗臉毛巾出現小小的破洞時，就是快到我必須和它說再見的時候了。無論那個破洞是多麼的微小，無論那條毛巾乍看之下還是多麼的可愛舒適，然而沒過多久，破洞就會愈破愈大，小洞變成大洞，最後四分五裂。

      Erroneous faith values are like holes in a towel. Every time I discover a small hole forming in my beloved washcloth, then it's almost the time when I must say goodbye to it. No matter how tiny that hole is, no matter how that towel at a glance looks lovely and comfortable, it won't be long until the hole becomes more torn and sizeable, the small hole turns into a big hole, and finally, it all falls apart.

      經常聽人說，信仰只是一種精神寄託，其實沒那麼簡單。它深深影響生活各層面的價值體系，甚至與生命的救恩密不可分，它關乎你的過去、現在，和未來。上帝賜給人類最寶貴的禮物之一，就是讓我們有自由意志。雖然全能的上帝，有能力把我們創造成一群只會按照指令行事的機器人，但祂並沒有這麼做。祂渴望與我們建立一種真實互動的關係，祂給予我們自由意志去思考、去感受、去追尋、去抉擇。所以我們不要再去責怪上帝，為何沒有阻止人類始祖亞當和夏娃偷吃禁果，讓罪惡進入人間了。

      You can often hear people say, faith is only a kind of spiritual comfort, yet it's not that simple. It deeply affects the value systems for all aspects of life, even so far as to be inseparable from life's salvation; it relates to your past, present, and future. One of God's most precious gifts to humanity is allowing us to have free will. Although Almighty God has the ability to make us into a group of robots that will only act in accordance to His will, He has not done so. He yearns to establish a relationship with us based on real interaction; He has given us the freedom to think, to feel, to search, to choose. Therefore, we shouldn't ever blame God for not preventing humanity's first ancestors, Adam and Eve, from eating the forbidden fruit, which allowed sin to enter our world.

   

      關於追尋，神給了我們一個極大的應許：「你們祈求，就給你們；尋找，就尋見；叩門，就給你們開門」（馬太福音七7）。我深信，那些願意真誠地來到神面前，認真尋求祂的人，神必讓他們尋見，祂必帶領他們找到生命的答案！

      As for searching, God gave us a great promise: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7). I am convinced that for those people who are willing to truly come before God, and to seek Him earnestly, God will reveal Himself to them, He will lead them to find the answers to life!

      放膽追尋真實的信仰吧！信仰不是用來拼命說服他人，或與人爭辯得面紅耳赤，信仰是用來認真追尋和親身經歷的。多給予自己和他人適度的空間吧！連神都不強迫我們，我們還要去強迫誰呢？

      Boldly search for true faith! Faith is not used to desperately persuade others, or to have heated arguments with people; faith is used to sincerely pursue and experience God and the true faith. Give yourself and others some decent space! Even God is not forcing us, so why should we force ourselves or whoever?

至於我，我始終相信：神就是愛，祂要賜給我們的一切，都是最上好的禮物，而非次好的，為了要我們來享受祂所賜下的萬物與寶貴生命，並將一切榮耀歸給神！因此，我不甘於過平庸的人生，我渴望能完成神所賦予我的人生使命，行走在神為我預備最美善的計畫中。我相信，當你親近神，神就必親近你（雅各書四8），只要你願意，祂樂意開啟你心靈的眼睛，來更多認識祂，認識永恆不變的真理，經歷祂的真實與慈愛，活岀一個嶄新、超過你所求所想的豐盛生命。這是我的信念，也是我為你的禱告，阿們。

As for me, I've always believed that God is love, He has given us everything, all of which are the greatest gifts and are never second best, because He wants us to enjoy His gift of all things and precious life, as well as give all the glory to God! Therefore, I am not happy with a mediocre life, I yearn to complete my life's mission given to me by God, walking in the most beautiful plan God has prepared for me. I believe that when you come near to God, He will come near to you (James 4:8), as long as you are willing, God will happily open your mind's eye, to better know Him, to know everlasting unchanging truths, to experience His realness and compassion, to live a new abundant life, surpassing all you could ever ask for or think of. This is my belief, it is also my prayer for you. Amen.

作者:譚亞菁 Feb. 4, 2013

Translated by Parker Gadbois

梅花湖畔的一堂課 A Lesson on the Shores of Plum Blossom Lake

        梅花湖座落於好山好水的宜蘭，湖的形狀看似一朵五瓣花，三面環山。在那一池清澈平靜的湖水中，鴨子悠閒地戲水，配上湖岸四周的環湖自行車道，來到這裡，讓人身心不自覺地放鬆下來。

        Plum Blossom Lake is located in the great mountains and waters of Yilan. The lake's shape looks like a five petal flower, surrounded by mountains on three sides. There, in the lake's clear calm water, ducks leisurely play. A surrounding bike path accompanies the lakeshore. Coming here makes people unconsciously relax their body and mind.

          那一天，我們全家人來到這詩情畫意的梅花湖，準備享受一場湖光山色單車遊！我們租借了腳踏車，興奮地要展開單車之旅時，不料天空突然下起雨，我先生和小孩都去湖畔的涼亭躲雨，惟獨我心有不甘，我心想：特別從台北來宜蘭騎單車，我才不要被這場雨給破壞了……我靈機一動，說不定腳踏車出租店的老闆可以借我雨衣！我把這個自認聰明的想法告訴家人，但他們仍要繼續躲雨等雨停，我當時覺得，他們為什麼遇到問題不想辦法解決，難道我來宜蘭就為了躲雨嗎？我就暫時把外套披在頭上遮雨，自己騎去單車出租店借雨衣。

One day, our entire family went to the poetic Plum Blossom Lake, ready to enjoy a scenic mountain lake bike tour! We rented bicycles, and when we were excitedly setting out on the bike tour, the sky unexpectedly began to rain. My husband and children went to the lakefront pavilion shelter, only I was unwilling, I thought to myself "We came all the way from Taipei to Yilan to ride bikes, I wasn't going to let our trip be ruined by rain...and then it hit me: maybe the boss from the bike rental shop could loan me a rain coat! I considered this idea clever and told my family, but they still wanted to wait in the shelter for the rain to stop. At that time I thought, why is it that when they run into a problem, they don't think of a way to solve it? Did I come to Yilan to just be sheltered? I temporarily draped a coat over my head as cover from the rain, and went by myself to the bike rental shop to borrow a raincoat.

          果然不出我所料，出租店的老闆願意借雨衣給我，我謝謝老闆的幫忙，內心還無比得意的想著：哈哈~我真的借到雨衣囉！下雨天還是可以享受騎單車的樂趣！我開心地穿上雨衣，望著道路底端的湖畔涼亭，一邊騎車一邊自豪地向家人揮手，想讓他們羨慕一下！但就在此時，我似乎不習慣穿雨衣騎單車，加上天雨路滑，我又邊騎邊揮手，我竟突然摔車，而且因為穿雨衣，手腳變得不太靈活，突如其來的摔車，我左邊肩膀先著地，沒想到前一秒還如此得意，後一秒就摔得如此重，我除了覺得頭暈腦脹、全身好痛，腦海還頓時浮現一句箴言：「驕傲在敗壞以先；狂心在跌倒之前」（箴言十六18）。

Just as I expected, the rental shop owner was willing to let me borrow a raincoat, I thanked him for his troubles, my heart still proudly thinking "Haha, I really did borrow a raincoat! Even on a rainy day you can still enjoy the fun of riding a bike!" I happily put on the raincoat, looking at the road at the bottom of the lakefront pavilion, simultaneously riding and proudly waving to my family, hoping to make them a little envious! But at this point, I seemed unaccustomed to wearing a raincoat while riding a bike, coupled with wet and slippery conditions, while I waved and rode, I suddenly crashed, and because I was wearing a raincoat, it made my hands and feet not quite as flexible. As I crashed my left shoulder hit the ground first, I had no idea a second before I had felt so proud, only to crash so hard a second later. In addition to feeling a dizziness and brain swelling, my entire body hurt, when a proverb immediately emerged from my mind "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

          說也奇怪，我摔車之後，雨很快就停了，彷彿這場雨是特別為我而下的，要給我上一堂課吧！

It's strange to say, after I crashed the bike, the rain soon stopped, as if this rain was especially meant to fall on me, just to teach me a lesson!

          其實我摔車當時，就已左肩骨折，然而自己卻不自知，仍逞強裝沒事，忍痛騎了好幾圈環湖車道，晚上還去吃羅東夜市，直到回台北的路途中，覺得左上臂愈來愈痛，去醫院急診照X光，才嚇一跳竟然骨折了！接下來，我左手臂懸吊三角巾好幾個月，骨折的恢復是一個漫長的過程，骨折的痛，讓你手臂幾乎完全無法舉起，連穿脫外套，都得靠他人協助。這次的骨折經驗，使我體會到，雖然骨折的疼痛和不便，旁人無法完全體會，但家人朋友的陪伴與關愛，讓我的復原過程更加順利。這也好比我們周遭的人，如果身心遭遇痛苦憂傷，那種痛只有親身經驗才能感受，我們在面對他人的傷痛時，少一些批判和說教，多一些接納和陪伴，因為你真的不知道他有多痛！

Actually, when I had crashed on the bike, my left shoulder was already fractured, but I myself did not even know, I still acted brave like nothing happened, riding several laps around the lake path holding back the pain, and at night I still went to the Luodong Night Market to eat. It wasn't until the return trip to Taipei, when I thought the top of my left arm was increasingly painful, that we went to the emergency room for an X-ray, and were surprised to discover it was fractured after all! Afterwards, my left arm was suspended in a sling for a few months. Healing the fracture was a long process, the pain made it so my arm was almost completely unable to lift itself. Even putting on and taking off a jacket relied on the help of other people. This experience with a fracture helped me to understand, although other people had no means to totally understand the pain and inconvenience of the fracture, the companionship and love from family and friends made my road to recovery a lot smoother. This is also like the people we are surrounded by, if they encounter physical or mental pain and hardship, it's the kind of pain only they themselves can personally feel, and when we face the pain of others, it should be with less criticism and preaching, and more acceptance and companionship, because you really don't know how painful it is!

          這場雨還要教導我謙卑的功課。以這次摔車事件來說，它提醒我不要心高氣傲、自以為是。自己的看法不見得是最好的，也要多聆聽他人的想法，尊重他人的選擇。像在這個經歷中，我家人選擇等候，等候最佳時機，等待「雨過天晴」，看來是當天最明智的抉擇！

This rain had also taught me to make humility my homework. As far as the crash is concerned, it reminded me to not be proud, arrogant, or self-righteous. My own views are not necessarily the best, so I should listen more to others' ideas, and respect their choices. Like in this experience, my family decided to wait, wait for the best time, wait for "the clear sky after the rain", which apparently was the wisest decision that day!

          若談到如何學習謙卑？聖經中有一段話，總是能幫助我：「各樣美善的恩賜和各樣全備的賞賜，都是從上頭來的，從眾光之父那裏降下來的」（雅各書一17）。既然我們所擁有的一切聰明、才智、恩賜、創意……等所有美善的事物，都是神所賜下的寳貴禮物，都是豐盛的恩典，我們人類究竟有什麼資格驕傲自大呢？在聖經同一卷書中，雅各書四章6節也說到：「神阻擋驕傲的人，賜恩給謙卑的人」。的確，古今中外，因驕傲而失敗的例子，不勝枚舉。然而，謙卑是一輩子的功課！謙卑蒙恩，這是一條鐵的定律！

If we speak of how to learn humility, the Bible has a passage which is always able to help me "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). Since the intelligence, wisdom, talents, and creativity in our lives...all of the things of Goodness, all these abundant endowments, are all precious gifts given by God, then what after all makes humans so eligible to be arrogant for? In the same volume of the Bible, in the book of James chapter four verse six it also says "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble". Indeed, from ancient to modern times, whether foreign or domestic, the instances of failure as a result of pride is an endless list. However, humility is a lifetime assignment! Humility begets grace, this is an iron law!

作者:譚亞菁 Dec. 6, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois

我看少年Pi的省思 Reflections after seeing The Life of Pi

有一種奇特的感覺，說不定你也曾經驗過，就是在熱鬧的人群裡、歡樂的派對中，在談笑風聲之間，無論四周歡笑聲是多麼嘹亮與此起彼落，孤寂卻是你揮之不去的感受。相對地，有時當你一人漫步街頭，或者靜靜地坐在某個角落，一個人或看書、或沉思、或寫作、或品茶，或看街上的景物，內心卻是滿足和喜悅的。換句話說，看似熱鬧卻孤寂，看似孤單卻充實，這是一種略帶矛盾的感受。也許，在繁忙的生活中，我們都需要學習獨處的藝術。

There's a strange feeling, maybe you've experienced it, while in a lively crowd or at joyful party, amidst cheerful conversation and laughter, that no matter how loud and clear or continuous the happy laughter all around you is, solitude is your only lingering feeling. Relatively, sometimes when you walk the streets, or sit quietly in a random corner, alone reading a book, or while meditating, or writing, or drinking tea, or watching the scenery of the streets, the heart is content and glad. In other words, appear lively but lonely, appear lonely but fulfilled, this is a kind of contradictory feeling. Perhaps, in our busy lives, we all need to learn the art of being alone.

         你喜歡獨處嗎？對我來說，從事翻譯和寫作工作，我必須學習獨處、享受孤獨。雖然我還是很喜愛接觸人群，與人互動，但我也愈來愈珍惜一個人的獨處時光。因為在這段時光中，我能學習和自己成為好朋友，專心聆聽自己內心的聲音，試圖不被世俗價值觀牽著走，更重要的是，我相信神時刻與我同在，耶穌是我最好的朋友，祂與我談話，伴我同行。所以，實際上，我一點都不孤單。更準確地說，獨處時光也是一段「與神約會」的美妙時光！

        Do you like to be alone? As for me, from working as a translator and author, I must learn to be alone and enjoy solitude. I still very much enjoy contact with crowds and interacting with people, but more and more I've also begun to cherish the time a person spends alone. During this time, I was able to learn how to be good friends with myself, paying attention to my inner voice, attempting not to get carried away with secular values, more importantly, I believe God is with me every moment, Jesus is my best friend, He talks with me, he stands by me. So, in reality, I'm not lonely at all. More accurately stated, alone time is also a "Date with God", a wonderful time!

     「與神約會」的內容，除了讀聖經、唱詩歌、跟祂說悄悄話，也包括和祂一起去看電影！祂經常會藉由一本書、一場音樂會，或一部電影，對我的心說話，帶給我新的啟發。那一天，我邀請祂陪我去看一部3D電影「少年Pi的奇幻漂流」(Life of Pi)，有關少年Pi和一隻老虎在海上求生的故事，這也是一部充滿靈性的電影，有許多少年Pi與上帝之間的對話。

In addition to reading the Bible, singing hymns, or whispering personal messages to Him, these "Dates with God" also include going with him to the movies! He will often speak to my heart via a book, a concert, or a movie, giving me new inspiration. That day I invited him to accompany me to see a 3D movie "Life of Pi", it's about a youth named Pi and a tiger and their story of survival at sea, the film is also quite spiritual, with many conversations between young Pi and God.

        少年Pi在一場突如其來的暴風雨所導致的船難中，失去了最摯愛的家人，在廣大無邊的海洋中，在一艘單薄的小船上，與一隻孟加拉虎在海上漂流。少年Pi要承受失去親人的痛，要與兇猛的老虎朝夕相處，還要面對前途茫茫的未來，他身處內憂外患之中，是多麼孤苦無依啊！

Pi, in a shipwreck caused by a sudden storm, lost his most beloved family, leaving him in the vast and boundless ocean, in a flimsy boat, with a Bengal tiger drifting at sea. Pi had to bear the pain of losing his loved ones, spending his days and nights with a ferocious tiger, all while facing a future of uncertainty. He lived through suffering both internal and external, how lonely and helpless!

        少年Pi的處境，讓我聯想到聖經中的約伯記。一夜之間，約伯失去所有兒女和財產，後來甚至全身長滿毒瘡。我想人若處於像Pi或約伯的苦難中，不得不問這一切是為什麼！怨天尤人也是人之常情。

Pi's plight reminds me of the Bible's Book of Job. Overnight, Job lost all his children and property, and later, even his entire body was covered in open sores. I think if people are suffering like Pi or Job, they cannot help but ask why me! Blaming heaven and earth is only human.

        然而，當人在苦難中，願意停止抱怨，仍相信有神，並且尋求神的指引時，恩典與奇蹟就會從天而降。就像約伯在經歷了苦難的洗禮之後，他不由得向神發出讚嘆：「我從前風聞有祢，現在親眼看見祢」（約伯記四十二5）；而少年Pi在漂流期間，在另一場雷電交加的暴風雨中，於搖搖欲墜的小船上，Pi竟然高舉雙手，大聲「讚美神」，宣告他對神的信靠。神就奇妙地引導Pi，讓他與老虎從敵對到和平共處，甚至讓原本充滿威脅、令人害怕的老虎，激發少年Pi的生存鬥志，使他的生命有目標，不絕望，最後讓生命得著救贖。

However, when we suffer, if we're willing to stop complaining, and still believe there's a God, and even seek God's guidance, grace and miracles will fall from the sky. It's just like Job after experiencing a baptism of suffering, he could not help but to praise God, "I've heard you with my ears; and now I've seen you with my eyes" (Job 42:5). While Pi was drifting, in the middle of another thunder and lightning storm, in a small tottering boat, he unexpectedly raised his hands in the air, shouting "Praise God", a declaration of his faith in God. God then miraculously guided Pi, leading him and the tiger from a hostile to a peaceful coexistence, even allowing the once threatening and terrifying tiger, to activate the will to survive in the young Pi, making his life goal-oriented, absent of despair, and finally allowing his life to obtain salvation.

        這場「少年Pi的奇幻漂流」，也好比真實的人生旅程，充滿冒險與挑戰，不停地朝目標奮進。我們可能正面臨生命中的苦難，彷彿出埃及記中的情景：前有紅海，後有追兵。此時，我們只能向上看，仰望神、信靠神，就有奇蹟。

        The movie "Life of Pi", is also like a real life journey, full of adventure and challenges, a constant endeavor towards the goal. Maybe we are faced with suffering in life, as if it were a scene from Exodus: The Red Sea ahead, pursuing soldiers behind. At these times, we can only look up, have hope in God, have faith in God, and there will be miracles.

        看完少年Pi，也讓我想起另一部電影，就是描寫摩西的故事和出埃及記的動畫電影「埃及王子」（The Prince of Egypt），其著名的主題曲 “ When You Believe”（當你相信），是一首時常激勵我的歌曲。雖然我不知道，此刻的你，遭遇到什麼困難，但我希望，這首歌也能安慰你的心，賜給你力量。讓我們一起來唱吧……

Finishing “Life of Pi”, also made me think of another movie, “The Prince of Egypt”, an animated film that depicts the story of Moses and the Exodus. It's famous theme song "When You Believe" is a song that inspires me often. Although I don't know what kind of hardship you're suffering from at the moment, yet I believe this song can comfort your heart and give you strength. Let us sing it together....

There can be miracles, when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, you can achieve,
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe

奇蹟將會出現， 只要你肯相信
希望雖然渺茫， 卻不可被磨滅
誰知道你會創造怎樣的奇蹟
只要你肯相信，你就會得到
只要你肯相信，你就會創造奇蹟

作者:譚亞菁 Jan.14, 2013

Translated by Parker Gadbois

流浪的腳步 Wandering Footsteps

        在一個細雨濛濛的午後，我獨自坐在公車上，聽著隨身聽。公車從台北郊區開往熱鬧的市中心，我沿路聽著一首發人省思的歌曲，歌詞唱到：「懷疑，懷疑，是你眼裡的一個記號，記載了長久以來的脫逃。你從哪裡來？要往哪裡去？朋友，朋友停一下流浪的腳……」。此時公車行經台北車站前方，我抬起頭望著當年車站前的天橋，橋上熙來人往的人群，忙碌的身影，腳步不曾停歇。我看著眼前的情景，耳邊聽著這首歌，那些歌詞在腦海中盤旋著，淚水不禁沾濕了眼眶，我哭了……

       In a drizzly afternoon, I sat alone on the bus, listening to a walkman. The bus drove from the suburbs of Taipei to the bustling city center, and I listened to a reflective song along the way, the lyrics are sung as "doubt, doubt, is a sign in your eyes, recording a longstanding escape. Where are you from? Where are you going? Friend, friend stop your wandering feet…" Then the bus passed in front of Taipei Railway Station, I looked up at the overhead walkway that used to be across the station , the platform bustling with crowds of people, busy figures, their pace never stops. I looked at the scene ahead, my ears listening to this song, those lyrics swirling in my mind, tears began to wet my eyes and I cried…

       我哭了，我為著忙碌的人群，靜靜感傷。世人哪！在為著家庭與自己的人生奮鬥的同時，有誰願意停一下忙碌的步伐，去想想「你從哪裡來？要往哪裡去？」這個你內心深處從未消失過的疑惑。當你不知自己從何而來，又不知自己要往何處去，朋友，你真的快樂嗎？你真的滿足嗎？

        I cried, I felt a quiet sadness for those groups of busy people. Oh the humanity! In the midst of the struggle between family and personal life, does anyone purposely stop their hectic pace and think "Where are you from? Where are you going?" that doubt deep inside of you which has never disappeared? When you don't know where you came from, nor where you want to go, my friend, are you really happy? Are you really content?

       聖經創世記清楚告訴我們，我們的生命不是來自偶然，而是照著神的形象、按著神的樣式被創造的（創世記一26-27），換句話說，我們都是神的兒女，都被賦予從神而來的智慧、情感、靈性，而且每一個人都是獨一無二的！當你確信造物主對你的生命有獨特而美好的計劃，你明白在神眼中你真正的身份和地位，你會讚嘆在天地萬物中，自己雖然如此渺小，卻是無比尊貴，那種「渺小卻尊貴」的感受，會讓你和詩人大衛一同稱頌神說：「我觀看你指頭所造的天，並你所陳設的月亮星宿，便說，人算甚麼，你竟顧念他？世人算甚麼，你竟眷顧他？你叫他比天使微小一點，並賜他榮耀尊貴為冠冕」（詩篇八3-5）。

       Genesis clearly tells us, our life is not by chance, but rather is in God's image, according to God's form we were created (Genesis 1:26-27). In other words, we are all God's children, entrusted with His wisdom, emotion, and spirit, and each individual is unique! When you are confident that the Creator has a unique and wonderful plan for your life, you realize your true identity and place in God's eyes, you will praise that in all the heavens and the earth, even though you are so tiny, you are still very noble, that kind of "tiny yet noble" feeling, will make you praise God like the poet David and say:

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor. (Psalms 8:3-5)

       請問，你曾看過一隻猴子在全世界最壯麗的尼加拉瓜瀑布（Niagara Falls）下，發出對神的讚嘆嗎？這正是人和萬物最大的差別吧！因為唯有人是按著神的形象所造，所以唯有人會去敬拜神、尋求神。人的生命必須要與神有親密的互動，因為我們的受造就是如此。一個人的生命若失去了神，就得不著真正的喜樂與滿足，那種狀態就好比孩子選擇離家出走，不認父親，結果就是無窮盡的空虛與失落。

      Let me ask you this, have you ever seen a monkey in the world's most magnificent Niagara Falls, express praise to God? This has to be the biggest difference between people and all of creation! Because only people are created according to God's image, therefore only people will worship God, seek God. Human life must want to have intimate interaction with God, because we were created as such. If a person's life is godless, then they cannot obtain real joy and satisfaction, a kind of condition that is comparable to a child choosing to run away from home, never knowing their father, resulting in endless emptiness and loss.

      最近，聽朋友談到他的一位友人，年紀輕輕就立志30歲前賺到一千萬，他日以繼夜的打拼，果然在30歲之前，賺到人生的第一個一千萬，然而他只高興了幾天而已，因為他發現他周圍擁有一千萬的人也不少，所以他又立志40歲前賺到一億，但在接下來的過程中，儘管財富、名利、權勢不斷累積，內心卻愈來愈感到疲憊不堪，空虛不已，直到他來到教會去認識神、親近神，相信並接受神的救恩，他的生命才得到真正的平安與滿足，並擁有永恆的盼望。

       Recently, I heard a friend talking about one of his friends. At a young age he was determined to earn ten million before the age of 30. He worked hard day and night, and sure enough before 30, he made the first ten million of his life; however he was only happy for a few days, because he realized he was surrounded by quite a few multimillionaires, so he decided again before the age of 40 to make one hundred million, but in the process, despite the constant accumulation of wealth, fame, and power, his heart was growing exhausted with endless emptiness. It wasn't until he came to church to know God, to draw near to God, to believe and accept God's salvation, did he obtain real peace and contentment, as well as eternal hope.

       古希臘的亞歷山大大帝，一生叱咤風雲，是歷史上第一位征服歐亞大陸的著名帝王，但他臨終前的遺願，竟是死後把他的棺木挖兩個小洞，伸出他空空的雙手，希望藉此讓世人知道，他雙手空空的來，也是雙手空空的去，什麼也帶不走。如果，無論你多麼努力，人生的結局，每個人都一樣，最後要面對的就是一只棺木，那麼真的就如所羅門王所說：「我見日光之下所做的一切事，都是虛空，都是補風」（傳道書一14）。 

       Alexander the Great of Ancient Greece, was an all-powerful famous monarch and first in history to conquer Eurasia, but his dying wish was to have two holes dug out his coffin, with his pair of empty hands held out, wanting to let the world know, he came empty handed, and will leave with those empty hands, unable to bring anything. If, no matter how hard you try, at life's end, everyone is the same, the last thing to face is only just a coffin, then it's just as King Solomon said "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

        
        幸好，耶穌為我們降生，賜給我們救恩，帶給我們滿足的喜樂，和永遠的生命，正如聖經上的應許：「神愛世人，甚至將他的獨生子賜給他們，叫一切信他的，不至滅亡，反得永生」（約翰福音三16）。

        Fortunately, Jesus was born for us, to give us salvation, to bring us the fullness of joy, and eternal life, as the Bible promises, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

        
        這是聖誕節的真義！就在這個聖誕節，停下流浪的腳步，回家吧！

        This is the true meaning of Christmas! This Christmas, stop your wandering footsteps and go home!

        
        此時，我腦海中浮現出另一首歌：「今生若比永恆長，讓我們吃喝快樂吧！管那生命盡頭有沒有方向、答案！今生若比永恆長，讓我們隨心所欲吧！只這曇花一現，就讓它瀟瀟灑灑！……可是誰不曉得，今生不比永恆長，不比永恆長！永恆要去何方，今生就要思想。人若賺得了全世界，卻賠上了自己的生命，能用什麼來換！能用什麼來換生命！」。

         In this moment, another song emerges out of my mind "If this life is longer than the eternal, let us eat drink and be merry! Forget whether the end of life has direction or an answer! If this life is longer than the eternal, let us do as we please! If it’s only this flash in the pan, then let it be! …...but we all know, life is much shorter than eternity! Where are you going for Eternity? You must think about that in this life. If people can profit from the entire world, but lose their life as compensation, what can be given in exchange! what can be given in exchange for life!"

作者:譚亞菁 Dec.20, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois

看電影去 Going to the Movies

        

        看電影是很享受的一件事。我總認為進戲院看大螢幕，所帶來的震撼與感動，是在家中看影碟所無法比擬的，尤其看經典好片更是如此。基本上，只要是生活中充滿樂趣的事，我都會迫不及待地想帶我的孩子去體驗，當然，看電影也不例外！然而，帶小小孩去看電影是需要一些勇氣的！

       Watching movies is an enjoyable thing. I have always thought that going to theaters to see the big screen, with all the thrills and emotion it brings, is unrivalled to watching DVDs at home, especially when seeing a good classic film. Basically, as long as it's a fun thing in life, I can not wait to take my children to experience it. Of course, seeing movies is no exception! However, bringing small children to see a movie takes a little bit of courage!

       記得當年，某個陽光普照的週日午後，我帶著還不到三歲的弟弟，以及五歲的哥哥，一起去住家對面的學校電影院觀賞一部動人的紀錄片《一閃一閃亮晶晶》（Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars），這是關懷自閉症孩童的影片，記錄自閉症兒童的生命故事和家庭互動。正如電影海報上的那句話：「生命有多麼的差異，世界就有多麼的美麗」，我期待兩兄弟能透過這個紀錄片，去認識並接納與自己不同、卻同樣閃耀著獨特光芒的孩子。

         I remember that year, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I was taking my not even three year old son, and his 5 year old older brother, to the school's movie theater across from our house to watch a moving documentary "Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars" . This movie is about caring for children with autism, documenting the life stories and interactions of families with autistic children. Just like the movie poster's caption: "Life has so much diversity, the world has so much beauty", I hoped these two brothers would use this documentary to know and accept children different than themselves, yet know that as children, they too together shine their unique light.

         進入電影院之後，哥哥從頭到尾看得津津有味，而第一次去看電影的弟弟，一開始還乖乖地坐著看，但看到一半，也許是第一次看電影太興奮，他竟然開始在電影院的階梯爬上爬下，而大螢幕上還出現他的人形剪影，真窘！我立刻將他帶回座位，沒想到他又「歌興大發」，就在電影院開心地唱起兒歌「一閃一閃亮晶晶，滿天都是小星星……」，由於實在太配合這部電影的名稱，他好像在唱電影主題曲一般，真令人哭笑不得！我本來想要帶弟弟先離開戲院，以免打擾別人看電影，然而，我卻感受到，現場的氣氛是溫馨、包容的，我沒有接收到旁人責備的目光，反而是向我們發出友善的微笑，這讓我有些尷尬的心情放鬆下來，弟弟後來也「冷靜」多了，順利看完整部電影。

         After entering the theater, older brother relished the movie from start to finish, and his younger brother, it being his first time at the movies, obediently sat and watched from the start, but halfway through, perhaps his first trip to the movies was too exciting. He suddenly started climbing up and down the cinema stairs, and then his human silhouette appeared on the big screen, it was so embarrassing! I immediately brought him back to his seat, not thinking he would want to break out in song, and in the theater happily start singing the children's song "Twinkle, twinkle, little star. How I wonder what you are……" In light of it actually coordinating with the movie's name, it was just like he was singing the movie's theme song, which was really dumbfounding! I originally wanted to take him out of the theater, in order to avoid disturbing other people watching the film; however, I could actually feel that the atmosphere of the place was warm, inclusive, and I didn't receive reproachful stares from the people around us. Instead they were presenting us with friendly smiles. This allowed me to relax some of those awkward feelings. Later, little brother was also more "calm", and finishing the entire movie went smooth.

         這次看電影的特別經驗，並沒有阻擋我繼續去做那些看似「自找麻煩」的事，因為我時常被孩子的赤子之心所深深吸引，所以寧願「自找麻煩」，也要帶孩子們去體驗新事物，而事實上，不知有多少次，正因著孩子們的單純和熱情，以及閃閃發亮的眼神和燦爛的笑靨，讓我重新恢復對生命的熱誠，調整看待事情的角度，也更加懂得滿足與感恩。怪不得耶穌曾說：「讓小孩子到我這裏來，不要禁止他們，因為在天國的，正是這樣的人」（馬太福音十九14）。

       This special experience at the movies, really did not stop me from continuing to do those supposed "looking for trouble" activities. Since I have always been deeply attracted by a child's utter innocence, I would rather go "looking for trouble", and bring my children along to experience new things; but in reality, who knows how many times, it is precisely because of my children's purity and enthusiasm, as well as their shining eyes and bright smiles, that allow me to regain a zeal for life, adjust the perspective of looking at things, and also better know contentment and gratitude. No wonder Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

      《一閃一閃亮晶晶》這部紀錄片，呈現了自閉症家庭的奮鬥歷程，如何走出陰霾，無懼社會異樣的眼光，讓那群孩子得著關懷、理解、接納與認同，而發揮他們獨特的天賦潛能，活出生命的色彩，都能像一顆顆美麗的星星，在我們週遭閃爍！

        "Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars" this documentary, presents families' struggles with autism, how to walk out of the shadows, and without fear of society's prejudice, allow that group of children to receive care, understanding, acceptance and recognition, and realize their unique talents and potential. Living out the colors of life, all are able to be like beautiful stars, flashing all around us!

         我知道，那天在電影院，有許多「星兒家庭」在現場觀賞影片，謝謝你們教導我們去欣賞與接納每個孩子的獨特；我也相信，那天在戲院中，一種說不出來的溫馨與包容的氣氛，是來自你們的關愛與接納，謝謝你們也接納我家弟弟的小小失控，讓我們在戲裏戲外都有難忘的體會，深信「愛裏沒有懼怕；愛既完全，就把懼怕除去」（約翰一書四18）。

         I know, the theater that day had a good amount of "star-child families" present to watch the film. Thank you for teaching us to appreciate and accept the uniqueness of every child. I also believe, that day in the theater had a kind of unspoken atmosphere of warmth and inclusion, which came from your love and acceptance. Thank you also for accepting my family's youngest and his little mishap, making our time in and out of the theater a memorable experience. I'm convinced that " There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear" ( 1 John 4:18).

作者:譚亞菁 Nov.29, 2012

Translated by Parker Gadbois