There are several defining moments in life. When we reflect upon what is most important in our lives – it always comes down to relationships. Sharing two quotes by Persian poet and mystic Rumi (1207-1273) that struck me and a photo of two love birds. I wonder where they will fly off to next.
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
Looking through memory lane, I came across a photo from 2010 with Guyana’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2001–2008) and longtime Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Rudy Insanally.
Ambassador Insanally had an illustrious diplomatic career. He served as President of the 48th Session of the UN General Assembly (1993–1994) and represented Guyana in countries including Venezuela, Colombia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Japan. In 2009, the Government of Japan awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun, Grand Cordon, making him the first Caribbean national to receive this honor. He also served as Guyana’s Ambassador to Japan in 1992.
The photo was taken in his home, where he proudly displayed the award. It was a privilege to meet him and to work with him while serving alongside other former foreign ministers at international engagements.
My time in Guyana afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with the President and Prime Minister, and to connect with other distinguished members of the Caribbean diplomatic community. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the importance of long-term partnerships and personal relationships in global affairs.
With Guyana’s former Foreign Minister Ambassador Rudy Insanally
The only race that matters is the human race. Helping each other combat pandemics and infectious diseases is the right thing to do regardless of nationality. Even more reason to focus on helping the homeless and the most vulnerable who often do not have access to proper medical care. Pandemics can spread rapidly in places with poor hygiene and sanitation. It’s not simply a problem for the poor. Their problems become our problems too. By uniting together and promoting the health of our neighbors we too end up promoting our own health too. Stay safe and remember each day how precious life is: breathe the spirit of love, faith, and hope unto others.
Speaking on U.S.-Japan relations at the University of San Francisco
San Francisco at the Pier Water Front. Thanks for hosting me University of San Francisco and Japan Society of Northern California to discuss the impact of Japan’s first diplomatic mission to the U.S.!!
We celebrate the 160 year anniversary of Japan’s First Diplomatic Mission to the United States, first arriving in San Francisco on March 29, 1860. It was an honor to be asked to present as a featured speaker. Thank you University of San Francisco, the Japan Society of Northern California, and the Japanese Consulate for the invite. May we strengthen this important partnership further together!
In Japan, it is believed that the first dream of the New Year is important because it tells you what the year holds for you. What did you dream about? Here’s a haiku poem by Itō Shōu in English and Japanese below.
The year’s first dream –
a secret I spoke to no one,
smiling to myself. ― Itō Shōu (1859-1943)
初夢や
秘めて語らず
一人笑む ―伊藤松宇
The Japanese poet Itō Shōu was a poet of the Meiji era (1868-1926). He was a contemporary of another great Haiku poet Masaoka Shiki. Both wrote during a time when Japan opened its doors to the world and quickly learned about Western culture and technology.
Christmas and Hanukkah remind us to cherish life, family, and our faith. There is much to reflect on this December as we near the New Year. What are you most grateful for? For me it is my family, my health, my friends, and God. Material things are far from my list of wishes. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, clean water, food, and access to books and libraries. Most of all, I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of a loving family. I lack nothing. I pray for peace and tolerance. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who allowed me to share my story and realize a dream of mine – becoming a published author. Thank you for your support and readership.
I wish you and your loved ones the blessings of faith, family, and health and much joy knowing you are loved. From our family to yours, stay blessed!
The tradition of Santa Claus comes from Saint Nicholas an early Christian Bishop from Turkey during the Roman Empire. His legendary habit of secret gift-giving, particularly to poor children gave rise to our modern day Santa Claus. Wherever you may be, our family wishes you a merry Christmas and happy holidays!
We often say happy holidays. The word “holiday” implies a vacation. In fact, we are not celebrating time off, but holy days for many people. Why do we not simply say happy holy days? Commercialization has replaced the true meaning of the holy days of Christmas and Hanukkah. The gift of a God has been replaced by the gift of goods. Happiness is fleeting. The flesh constantly wants more to be happy. If I buy more or indulge more in pleasure I will be happy. Happiness is therefore contingent upon fueling and refueling fleshly desires. Holiness, however, is not about satisfying the flesh but about satisfying our spirit. The spirit that leads to greater peace and love. We can find no true comfort nor rest without it. May we fuel our spirits through prayer and acts of charity this holy season, remember our friends and family, but also those less fortunate than us. Have faith in the coming year and say thanks for all the countless blessings and miracles you and I have enjoyed this year.
Happy to announce the Kindle version of my memoir Love Both Keep Both came out on Black Friday 11/29/2019 via Amazon for those of you who requested an eBook version. The book is available for purchase here.
Thanks to Indigo River Publishing and everyone who was involved in this project. Thankful to all my supports, friends, and family. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Ken
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Ken Reiman is a diplomat, author, and global affairs speaker whose work reflects faith, leadership, and lived international experience.
