May one flame remain

6 Jan 2020

Australia is burning and our hearts are breaking. Today's CNN reports 15 million acres has been reduced to ash - an are larger than Belgium and Haiti combined. In New South Wales, close to half a million animals - up to 1/3 of koalas - have been killed. Thousands have lost their homes and over 20 people their lives. Smoke in Sydney has caused air quality to reach 11x the hazardous level. You know things are bad when its not just Asians that don face masks.

Instagrammers and news reporters describe the images as 'apocalyptic'. Celebrities promise their thoughts and prayers; a sign on a noodle bar in China Town asks for ours. New Delhi's Hindustan times say #prayforaustralia has trended on Twitter over 1million times. People are opening their pockets and digging deep like never before.

And suddenly, this secular, post modern society that 'believes in themselves' has seemingly become very.... spiritual.

Which makes me wonder:
Perhaps I'm not so strange when I say I pray to a higher power on a regular basis.
Maybe I'm not completely crazy to give a portion of my salary to the church and other charities.
What if it's not so weird to believe in the end of the world, supernatural revelation and life after death?

Amongst the destruction of these bush fires, maybe - just maybe - the faith on which our country was built is rekindling.

        And if one flame remains
                Dear God,
                may it be one of hope

Prayer... not such a silly idea? 

红包

2 Feb 2020

Its Chinese New Year, when traditionally, the family gathers, we squeeze into red clothing, lions dance, we eat like there's no tomorrow (even though its just the start of the year) and the older married people give 红包* to the young and single.

As I unashamedly collected my 红包 (what a great incentive to not produce grandchildren...) it got me thinking. And perhaps its a question for all of us to consider.

Money is nice and makes the world go round. But aside from material wealth what else is important for older generations to pass on to younger generations? And not just once a year, but every week, every day, every moment (driving, eating, being on devices) they're together?

And what about me? I may not be dishing out cash or raising kids. But what do I have to give (time, a listening ear, life skills...can you add to the list?) to those younger than me, here and now?

Fig 1. Unashamed single specimens showcasing 

*hong bao - red envelopes containing money