It is in us to give.

I am a bit slow this year in presenting the Chinese symbol for the new year.

This is the Year of the Pig. The Pig is the last symbol in a 12 year cycle, then it begins again. For many cultures, the beginning of the new year is prepared for by the giving of gifts, paying off debts and a thorough house cleaning, so that the new year can begin fresh.

Now, contrary to what one normally may think of a “pig”, in Chinese symbology the pig represents generosity.

This can invite a great deal of introspection, asking oneself, “What can I give? And to whom?” This can also tie into the theme for Lent and Passiontide.

It’s an interesting thing that giving and receiving can be reciprocal. If one is fortunate to receive something, it can often inspire that person to give something, and it goes on.

I would like to present a very recent experience in my family:

My son the former baker, whom I have mentioned before, was suddenly and unexpectedly confronted with a life and death health issue last November. The only solution was a bone marrow transplant. In Canada, the donation of blood and stem cells is voluntary. It truly is a gift of life. He had to have weekly transfusions of blood and platelets while waiting. A matching donor had to be found, and the procedure lined up, which involved a week of chemotherapy, and will involve many weeks of recovery. Provided all goes well, he will have a new lease on life. You cannot imagine the deep feeling of gratitude I have to this unknown donor, and to all the staff at the hospital.

This is an extreme example, of course. A gift can be big or small, simple or complex. It can be a simple act of kindness. It can be to someone you know, or to a complete stranger. It can be a small gift to be appreciated in the moment, or something greater for the future.

Our church also received a very unexpected gift of a beautiful piano, out of the blue, by a Chinese gentleman who lives nearby. He is not connected in any way to the church, but wanted to donate the piano somewhere it would be appreciated. It was close, coincidentally, to the Chinese New Year.

The point is, it is in us to give, in whatever way we find meaningful. This applies as well in a larger sense to our beautiful planet. We have spent years thoughtlessly taking everything we could out of the earth, and we are now seeing the consequences. We have to work harder at learning how to work with nature, and the weekend workshop in North Vancouver at the end of March with Tanis Helliwell, will hopefully address this issue. If you cannot make it, check her out online. She has given workshops in many parts of the world.

Spring is just around the corner – a time of renewal – and a time for new things. Let’s see what each of us can do.

Sparky