2020 06 09
作者 Article by: Bonny & Billy
願主的平安與你們同在!
在這疫症期間三個多月,我們一家很感恩,仍然可以大部分時間留在家中工作,相信各位在這期間,都有不同的體會,不同的故事。在我們身邊的人的故事之中,其中有三個故事希望藉此與大家分享,我們在當中的感受。
一對雖然已入住長者屋的夫婦,身體健壯,經常外出幫其他有需要的長者們,買食物、日常用品,送到他們的府上,解決每日所需,更將盈餘的物資,送到教會,讓有需要的弟兄姊妹,返教會自行取用。
另一對退休中醫師老夫婦,留在家中自學電腦,在網上與親友聯絡,學習新知識之餘,亦教導他人養生之道。
一位八十多歲的老婆婆,在疫症期間確診患癌,在家人鼓勵下,勇敢面對接受手術,康復期間,在醫護人員的幫助下,透過互聯網,與已入住長期護老院的老伴,堅持每天兩次透過FaceTime聊天,彼此支持及安慰。
我們從少在教會學校學習的校訓及聖經的教導,「非以役人,乃役於人。」在他們身上看見了。不要少看自己的能力;做到老、學到老;珍惜家人,彼此安慰。有報告說在疫症期間,長時間留在家中,生活平淡,較容易與家人,特別夫婦之間產生衝突,但是若大家願意多溝通、多了解、互相支持,便能融洽相處、增進感情。
杏林子於「生之頌」散文集中,「兩老無猜」祈禱分享:
那聖壇前的輕聲許諾,
那胼手胝足的共創家園; 9
那風雨中傘下的依偎,
那泥濘地的相互扶持,
那爭執後的含淚微笑,
那病榻前的溫言慰藉;
直到那白髮老伴顫抖的手為妳剝出一瓣橘子。
我才知道,上帝呀!
原來祢在那兩個不同的個體中,
放下了一種叫做愛情的東西。
活在當下!
「求他按着他豐盛的榮耀,藉着他的靈,叫你們心裏的力量剛強起來。
使基督因你們的信,住在你們心裏,叫你們的愛心有根有基。」
(以弗所書 3:16-17)
Peace be with you!
During the pandemic in the last three months, we are thankful that we can still work at home for most part. We believe each of you have many “COVID” stories. We would like to share three inspirational stories from the people around us.
The first story is from a healthy couple living in a senior residence. They often go out to buy groceries for other seniors. They also leave some extras at their church for those who need it.
The second is a retired couple, who were Chinese medicine physicians. During this pandemic, the couple learned to use the internet to stay connected with their friends and relatives, while giving them tips on how to stay healthy.
The third story is from an 80-year old woman, who was diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic. With the encouragement from her children, she went through surgery bravely. Her husband stayed in a long-term care facility. With the help of the healthcare providers, she was able to connect with him twice a day through FaceTime for mutual support and comfort.
In these stories, these individuals have witnessed the motto we learnt from school and Jesus’ teachings – “To serve but not to be served”. Through these stories, we can learn the following: don't underestimate your ability; keep a mentality of constantly learning; and cherish your family. A study says that there are more conflicts among family members especially couples during this pandemic, while people stay in the household for most of their time. But I believe with better communication, understanding and mutual respect, there will be a better loving relationship.
Another prayer written by the Chinese author 杏林子 about "couple loving relationship":
The marriage vow made in front of the altar,
The family built by two hard working hands,
The leaning on each other under an umbrella in the rain,
The help you provide each other on rocky roads,
The smiles that follow tears from your struggles,
The comforting words you receive from your loved ones by your bedside while you are sick,
Until your grey-haired husband passes you a piece of an orange with his shaky hand.
Then you know that when God put two different individuals together,
He adds an ingredient in them called "love”.
Embrace today!
"I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3: 16-17 )