海納百川 之三 Generosity Reaches the Harshest Corners of the World III

In our tradition, early April would mark the time to memorize our ancestors. Ancient poets in different Chinese dynasties had described during such a period of time, rain never stopped. This year, it seems to be the same. 

華人社會當中的清明節是緬懷祖先的時刻，也是最讓人感動於生命存緒的時刻；古人有言「清明時節雨紛紛」，今年在此地，亦是如此。

Rain-shower and water recourses are closely related, leading to something I keep remembering about the villagers at different parts of the comparatively poor nations in the world. To talk about them also brings me back to the society where I am situating right now: just a few days ago, I went to a bank here. The clerk dealing with me was frowning all the time, not that my case was anything difficult in particular, but a reflective motion from his part. 

雨水和水資源對於落後地區人民而言，至為要緊，此節，讓我想到這些地區當中不同位置的村落當中之居民。在談論他們的同時，自然，我也會思及目前所處文明社會當中的人士，像是幾天前當我到銀行去時，我發現那位辦理業務的行員不停皺著眉頭，這並非案件難以處理，而是他如反射動作般有著這樣的肢體語言及動作呈現。

He is not alone--even the students whom I have taught can show the same "symptoms" that as little as Grade 1 or 2, some of them begin to show they are bored by anything they are doing. A 3-year-old I know told me recently "I am very tired." 

這樣的人絕非少數，連年幼的學生如一、二年級，都會有如此像是「我覺得好煩、好無聊」的肢體語言，呈現在他們的日常生活與學習場景當中。看來，這樣的「癥狀」比比皆是。

However, these "symptoms" are the sorts I seldom see in the poor regions of the world where I go and serve. Instead of showing gloomy emotions, those villagers who are with scarce recourses are mostly smiling and calm even when they are faced with drastic challenges. 

然而，此情此景卻非吾於落後國家的落後地區，所能輕易看見；這些欠缺物資、沒有高度文明及優質生活條件的人，活在某種樂天知命的情緒當中，即便他們面臨了極大的挑戰，卻還是能夠保有那份珍貴的平和、自然、真切。

When people ask me "Why are you so positive all the time?"

每每當有人問起我說「妳怎麼能夠總是如此正面」時，

我常常不由自主想起這些在落後地區及先進地區，我所察覺到的強烈對比，使我不得不正視那些心胸寬大、互助合作的人們所流露的真情真意，在這樣的景況之下，要愁容滿面、怨天尤人、怨聲載道，對我而言是非常困難的一件事。

I must say that by observing the kids who take care of me inside a river, by their taking care of each other, and by their mothers taking care of their neighbors' kids selflessly, I feel I am inside a huge community where people take care of me no matter where I am. 

It is such a sense of security which makes me peaceful even under the rain, threat, or sad events. 

我總覺得自己不論身在何方，就像在同一個社區裡面生活與工作著般，別人就是我的好夥伴，我也總是能夠得到最好的照料。因著這樣的篤定而自在，就是我在輕安生活中的寫照。

清明，遙念先祖，也展望未來由於助人之力的無限延伸，而精采可期。

While remembering my ancestors, I also encourage myself to look into the brighter future where I find more fruitful results due to the loving kindness I have presented to the communities of the world. 

The words are mainly about a principal from my culture discussing with a student about 

how people who have made impact on their own or others' lives would possess such desires to do more. 

According to retired Principal Liu, Hope also holds such personal quality 

which needs to be observed by the learners seeking perfections in their career. 

I do hope what I have done would not fail such elevated compliments.