(Minghui.org) My father and I posted Falun Dafa couplets on the front door before the eve of Chinese New Year in 2018. The couplets and their auspicious designs looked pretty, colorful, and festive.
The couplets contained messages such as “Falun Dafa is good” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.” Many people stopped to look at the couplets and commented on them.
When my daughter-in-law and I made dumplings the next day, we heard my father yelling, “The couplets are on a white background. People are going to think I died!” (In many Asian cultures, white is the color of mourning. –Ed.)
“The messages are so straightforward! Aren’t you afraid they'll take you to jail?” he continued.
I couldn't restrain myself and responded, “The village officials and neighbors know that I practice Falun Dafa. There's no need to hide it. You're not a practitioner, so why are you afraid?”
He became even more agitated and said that someone might report me to the authorities.
I knew he was frightened and that I should avoid upsetting him. Practitioners ought to be selfless and think of others first, I thought to myself.
“Dad, you can take the couplets down if you're really scared or think they're inappropriate,” I said. “The couplets were on the door all day yesterday, and many people have already seen them. So, what would they think if you take them down now? How would you explain it?”
When he didn't respond, I said, “Dad, I think we should leave the couplets where they are. The neighbors would probably ridicule us if you took them down. If you're really worried, we’ll post whatever you like next year.”
I knew his reaction was a test to see if my heart would be moved. His words didn't affect me, and I was able to change my thinking quickly.
I didn't want to agitate him and cause him to commit any wrongdoing against Dafa. I'm so thankful for Dafa for giving me the wisdom to resolve a conflict smoothly.
I was worried that my father felt lonely. So after the New Year, I took him and my family to a restaurant, and we ordered his favorite dish. I tried to put myself in his shoes, and we all had a good time.
I thank Master Li (the founder of Falun Dafa) for helping me become less selfish and to think of others first.
My father later told me, “I looked at the couplets many times, and each time I repeated the words, ‘Falun Dafa is good' and 'Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.' It made me feel good!”
I was really glad to hear that!
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Category: Improving Oneself
