牧者心聲

近期香港調查顯示，不同年齡階段的人各有不同的困擾，其中青少年的抑鬱與焦慮情況尤需關注；與此同時，香港整體貧富懸殊仍然嚴重，家庭照顧、生活成本與收入差距相互交織，使忙碌成為許多人共同承受的生活常態。你也是這樣嗎？

所謂忙碌，並不只是有太多事情；更深一層，是可自由運用的時間日漸收窄。近年有研究把這種處境稱為「時間貧窮」。客觀上，是工作、睡眠與家務以外，可自主調配的時間所剩無幾；主觀上，則是感到對生活失去掌握，總覺得時間不夠用。當這種狀態常常出現，我們便容易在不知不覺間，把匆忙當作常態，把疲憊當作代價，把內裡的枯竭視為理所當然。

今個季題是「給忙碌的你——《箴言》選讀（二十二 17～二十四 34）」。這段經文承接前文的箴言傳統，並以「智慧人的言語」為題，引入一組關乎日常生活的教導，其中涵蓋財富、公義、家庭、群體、品格與工作等課題。此選集部分內容，特別是二十二 17～二十三 11，與古埃及的智訓有明顯關聯；但經編者整理後，這些教導被安放在敬畏耶和華的信仰框架之中，就不再只是人生經驗的整理。

《箴言》向身處時間貧窮中的我們指出，真正的智慧，是不需要對生命過度管控。盼望在這個暑期，讓神的話帶我們慢下來，停一停、聽一聽、想一想；在人生各樣節奏裡，學習在耶和華面前心存謙卑、在生活裡面持守分寸、在繁忙之中辨明優次。

也藉此機會，與大家分享教會近期的一些發展。真理樓現正進行兩大工程：首先，教會正更換已運行四十多年的扶手電梯，並同時修整因漏水及石屎剝落而受影響的入口天花，以及翻修大堂和門面。第二，因去年屋苑冷水系統管道破裂漏水，一樓副堂 AB 一帶受到損壞；與此同時，因應教會未來將調整少年崇拜的時間和地點，執理會已決定翻新副堂 AB，並將周邊房間一併裝修為適合少年人使用的空間。兩項工程預計於明年一月完工。

此外，感謝神！教會已租用灣仔港鐵站步行約三分鐘的一處地方，開展普通話服務中心事工，接觸新來港工作和定居的內地人士，藉著關心與同行，幫助他們適應在港的職場、生活和語言習慣，期盼可以為福音對話與慕道接觸開啟空間。請大家在禱告中記念。

  Recent surveys in Hong Kong have shown that people of different ages face different difficulties, with depression and anxiety among young people being a particular cause for concern. At the same time, the aggregate wealth disparity in Hong Kong remains severe. Family caregiving responsibilities, living costs and income gaps intertwine, making busyness a common reality for many people. Is this true of you as well?

  This so-called busyness does not simply mean having too many things to do. At a deeper level, it means that the amount of time we are free to use is steadily shrinking. Recent studies call this situation “time poverty.” Objectively, it refers to having very little discretionary time left after work, sleep, and housework. Subjectively, it is a feeling of losing control over life. We always feel there is not enough time. When this happens often, we can easily accept hurry as normal without even realizing it. We see exhaustion as the price we must pay, and inner dryness as something to be taken for granted.

  Our theme for this quarter is “For the Busy You—Selected Readings from Proverbs (22:17-24:34).” This scripture portion continues the tradition of Proverbs from the preceding chapters and brings together a collection of teachings concerning everyday life under the title “Sayings of the Wise.” These teachings address topics such as wealth, justice, family, community, character, and work. Some parts of this collection, especially 22:17–23:11, show clear connections with ancient Egyptian wisdom instruction. Yet, after being arranged by the editors and placed within the framework of faith grounded in the fear of the LORD, these teachings are no longer merely a compilation of life experiences.

  Proverbs points out to us who live in time poverty that true wisdom does not require excessive control over life. I hope that during this summer, God’s word will lead us to slow down, to pause, to listen, and to reflect. Amid various rhythms of life, may we learn to remain humble before the LORD, exercise restraint in daily living, and discern our priorities in the midst of busyness.

  I would also like to take this opportunity to share with you some recent developments in the church. Two major projects are now underway in the Truth Centre. First, the church is replacing the escalators that have been in operation for over 40 years. We are also repairing the entrance ceiling that was damaged by water leakage and spalling concrete, while renovating the lobby and frontage. Second, a burst pipe in the housing estate’s cold-water system last year caused damage to the area around Side Halls A and B on the first floor. At the same time, in view of future adjustments to the time and venue of the Youth Worship Service, the Deacons Board decided to renovate Side Halls A and B, and remodel the nearby rooms into spaces suitable for young people’s use. The two projects are expected to be completed by January next year.

  Meanwhile, thanks be to God! The church has rented a place about three minutes’ walk from Wan Chai MTR Station to launch a ministry of a Putonghua Service Centre. The Centre will reach out to people from mainland China who have recently come to Hong Kong for work or to settle here. Through care and companionship, we will help them adapt to the workplace, life, and language habits in Hong Kong, with the hope of opening doors for gospel conversations and contact with those seeking faith. Please remember this in your prayers.