02/14/2004

A Love Letter to the World

How much is too much?

Do not be afraid, when you act on love

There is no limit in the appropriate amount

CWS.2004

Fire, Sand, water ground endless fascination for those young at hearts. As it comes, the energy in various forms communicates with not spoken words but each of their unique pattern, frequency and the way they play themselves in the existence.

Among all, fire has attracted Wen's fascination the most.

In our daily life, there have been many chances that we build up fire, big or small, in all weather conditions or social occasions. By himself or with a crowd, he is the one to tend the fire.

For one whole month last March, we spent our time in a workcamp to build a house of wooden frame and light clay wall in a remote village of the Bunun tribe. Most nights, there was a fire or sometimes two for gathering around, singing, chatting, and roasting snacks of choices from fruits, fish to sausages. Rain or dry, the fire would be built, admired, appreciated for the comfort it offered. I always found Wen close to the fire, often with a focused gaze upon the beauty and the movement of such energy-- mesmerized.

The total happiness came upon him from being with the fire is contagious. One night he slept by the fire under the stars, I watched him bathed in the soft glow of moon and stars with the light and shadow danced on his all contented face as sacred blessings celebrating his being. The simple joy was so true and full, it even overflowed to fill my heart.

Other then the open space campfire after a long day's work, when we are back in our apartment, he lights up candles when enjoying food or tea in a pleasant mood---which happens very often. Then there is the making of his own candle, and other endless explorations.

Due to his passion of being with fire, his attention is also attracted to lighters of all kinds, rocks that can make sparks, and of course, the matches.

There are people know him well enough to observe his interest in finding matches which nowadays is rather rare. One day when we walked into our friend's little bookstore (where we spend our Thursday afternoon hanging around), Jia-Lin, the bookstore guy, gave him a matchbox with an umbrella on it. He told Wen that his wife bought a big package, and wished to give it all to Wen, but he advised her not to-- “I think your mom would be bothered by that.” His mother smiled, and said: ”yes or no? Do what you truly wish to, and leave it to her.” Jia-Lin gave one match box to Wen.

His wife Swallow came out later, and saw Wen with his one matchbox. She told Wen her original thoughts of giving him the whole package, and explained her husband's objection “He said that may cause your mother a headache.” Wen's mother listened to her restrained yearning, smiled and responded to that remark: “Be your independent thinker. It is your decision what you wish to do for each other that I respect. My response whatever that might be is irrelevant in the beauty of such interaction.” “Although, remind you if I may”, she paused briefly and added, “when you give him one matchbox with self-restrain, that makes you as special as anyone spares him a box of matchbox; yet when you follow the voice in your heart and do give him the whole package, that means differently to him. It will be a very special remark of simple love with trust and freedom. That he will likely to remember forever. It is the love coming out from your heart that will nurture both of you.”

She thought briefly and said to Wen, “I still wish to give you the whole package and you can give me one matchbox in return.”

All happily smiled. Wen's heart was bouncing with joy.

Wen's mother added: “Besides, do you really think one matchbox is safer then 10? The guiding principles in fire safety are Wen's own responsibility since he earned our trust and he knows that. IF I felt uncomfortable leaving him with so many boxes, we will talk about the management between ourselves, it shouldn't disturb the interaction between you.”

For two weeks since than, Wen's heart (soaked in the love from such special communion) has been radiating comforting warmth with invisible colors. We all know, the gift is not just matchboxes however many there are, it is the open hearted love and trust that set us all free and enlightened.

Blessed courage dressed our naked soul.

Be love, not fear.