My little Chinese Tiger-Lily
Happy Chinese New Year! On February 14th, the Year of the Tiger officially began according to the traditional Chinese system, which recognizes the cyclical nature of life. Both Lily and I were born in Tiger years, so I have high expectations for 2010. Next month I will be traveling to China, to visit Lily’s orphanage for the first time since I brought her home. Late last year, I suddenly began feeling the urge to go, and I didn’t know why, except to say that the timing felt ‘right’. It wasn’t until last week when I was thinking about Chinese New Year that I realized, that by the end of this Tiger year, an entire cycle in the Chinese Lunar system will have been completed since I first went to China. Chinese New Year has reminded me that cycles have their own timing, and where you happen to be in the cycle determines the appropriate action to take. It is wise to understand that this usually can’t be rushed. With our linear, hurried, make-it-happen mentality, it can be hard to accept the ephemeral notion that it’s just not ‘time’ for something to happen. By understanding and embracing the beauty of cycles, it can be easier to allow ourselves to flow with events as they move toward fruition. And now for us, the time has come to close one loop, and begin preparing for the next phase of our journey. We invoke the strength, beauty and grace of the Tiger as we begin what is sure to be an interesting year.
Beth,
I like your timing on pointing out the wisdom of understanding and embracing the beauty of cycles in our lives. We hear so much about " taking control" of our lives today. Your thoughts on determining "the appropriate action to take", based on where you are in the cycle, are key. This acceptance leads all of us to a higher, ultimately more productive and rewarding result than much of the rushed actions we often allow ourselves to be pressured toward today.
Thank you for this great perspective as we begin this new year!
Thank you for your insight into cycles. I need to remember this when I am impatient with things happening in the present.
Dear Beth,
Thank you for sharing a good, true story about the little Chinese Tiger-Lily. She is true beautiful!
That reminds me twenty years ago when I came to USA from China as student. My roomate actually ended with a missionary in China serving in orphanage. I can truely understand why you have an urge to go there again in 2010. May God bless your work, and let me know if I can be any help.
I specialized in beauty cosmetic product & package development between USA and China.
Jonathan, thank you! I would love to be in touch. Let me know how we can reach you. Thank you for commenting and bless you! Beth
Beth, I can be reached at Jonathan@chemist.com. Please pray for China earthquake again! Jonathan