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.
On a journey, I’d have
as my companion on the road,
a butterfly. ―Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902)
道づれは
胡蝶をたのむ
旅路かな ―正岡子規
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!
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 The gift of a God has been replaced by the gift of goods.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.
When we help the homeless we help ourselves, our country, and our community. The strong and fortunate have a responsibility to help the weak and poor. Isn’t that what true power is? When we think about how we can utilize our talents to help the oppressed we are reminded of our obligations to one another.
Isaiah 58:7: Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Here is a business proposal I created in my spare time to help Japan’s urban homeless. I wanted to find a way to address a social issue while utilizing the talent of Japan’s seniors. I make no money off of this business idea. I simply wanted to share with others so that even one homeless person can get off the streets. That is reward in and of itself. This was my attempt to create a business solution to address a social problem. Just trying to play my part as I can’t physically be in Japan to implement this. Check the link below to read the proposal.
