With heart, There is Life

The atmosphere of the Tree of life is neither boring nor stereotyped. Instead, it is subject to changes whenever needed. When we do something from the bottom of our hearts, with creativity even without paying a lot of money, a surprise is enough. Let us start with Joshua’s birthday this year!

Joshua turns 66 this year. His disciples organized a personal photo exhibition for him in media center which came as a great surprise. In recent years, his interest has extended beyond his usual basketball to photography. Many of the displayed photos are precious and meaningful memories. His birthday fell on a Tuesday this year. After the Morning Devotion, joined by his disciples, he walked into the venue with a great grin on his face, what a special birthday gift!

In the evening, the disciples prepared a truly appetizing dinner by presenting their signature dishes, through their excellent cooking skill. As Joshua was from Chaozhou, the disciples made nine braised dishes in Chaozhou style, such as braised pork with taro rice, lemon scorpion fish, soy sauce chicken, shrimp salad, etc. The mimicked shark’s fin soup by me was not expensive yet it was the icing on the cake.

Due to the large number of disciples in our cell group, I was prompted to pick three couples and four singles disciples by lot, together with Ruby, Basil and both of us, there were 16 people in total. Then we were able to get ever closer. Food was not our focus, but we were delighted by the enthusiasm shared by all. It was great to dine at home without going out. Everyone was well delighted, creating a warm and sweet atmosphere. Families need quality times when two generations and peers can laugh, share and support one another.

Dining out actually creates distance. Also, it is extremely hard to keep conversation going with few tens of people. This new arrangement of ours built a beautiful golden memory ball and drawing us close to each other! We shall put together different combination on different festive occasions in order to brew different chemistries.

Often, unique creativity or ideas bring freshness, refresh the routine and stimulate vitality. The atmosphere of freedom under the Tree of life flows unhindered. Thing can be lively when it is unique and done with heart!•[2020.11.15]