One splendid Sunday afternoon we took our daughter Mira to Shek-O beach
for her very first encounter with the sea. As a pleasant autumn warmth replaced
the scorching summer heat, we wanted her to experience the unique splendor of
the ocean. Many carefree families had beat us to the waterfront and had happily
staked out a sandy claim with colourful umbrellas and towels. Mesmerized by the
infinite horizon, our one-year-old daughter promptly reacted with a joy that
gladdened our hearts. She was powerless before such awesome marine magnetism. Soon,
unconcerned with her safety, she waddled towards the sea as fast as she could. We
didn’t expect to witness her daring escape towards the one element that puts
the fear of God in the bravest of people. But there she was, dashing off on all-fours
before our disbelieving eyes with fearless independence and dashing confidence
– absolute freedom seemed to be in her reach.
Hers was a perfect expression of human potential: unchecked by fear,
unfettered by worries and blissfully unaware of physical limitations. I thought,
how wonderful it would be if everyone could approach life with such enthusiasm,
enjoyment and energy! Not shrinking from fear and stress, not discouraged by doubt
and anxiety, but striving for a better future and expecting a great outcome. We
don’t consciously appreciated it, yet we have a choice about how we move
through the moments of life with purpose. The difference is made by the subjective
thoughts driving our mind and soul. As the world becomes a more challenging
place, we must continue to appreciate excellence, integrity and idealism. It is
written, “Unless you change and become like these little children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven.” Thus, mankind is energized and progress assured
by the youthful zeal that approaches life with a passion most adults have
forgotten.
When circumstances inspire reflection on our infinite surrounding, in
the depth of the human heart grows a
yearning for truth that a lifetime fails to satisfy. This is beautifully expressed
by man’s quest for answers in every field of knowledge. It is manifested strongly
in the universal search for the meaning of life. When contemplating deep sea or
deep space, we are spurred to ask fundamental questions: Where do I come from?
Where am I going? What is the purpose of my life? How should I behave? Our beliefs
inform thoughts that are expressed through choices. And there is one core
belief at the root of every worldview – that we are all children of God. This concept
summons a universal sense of empathy that sees ourselves in others, sharing a
destiny beyond space and time. The answer to every existential question is this
one love that binds us together, placing each at the service of others, while spreading
ripples of hope across the world.
