Happy 2014 my friends.

I was recently reminded of a popular tale that speaks of 2 ‘seas’ in the Middle East. The story goes like this.

The SEA OF GALILEE and the DEAD SEA are 2 big lakes linked by the Jordan River.

The Sea of Galilee is often described as vibrant and full of flora. Its fresh water supports a rich population of fish and other forms of life. It is a good source of water for irrigation and other needs and is often described as life-giving.

From the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River flows south into the Dead Sea. Here, the salt content of the water is so high that it is several times higher than that of sea water. No fish life can survive the harsh environment. No man or animal will drink the water. It is aptly called the “Dead Sea”

The story says that although the same water from the Jordan River flows into both seas, there is a reason for the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

It is said that the Sea of Galilee receives the water but does not keep the water. Whatever flows in, flows out. It gives as much as it receives. As a result , it is a ‘life-giving’ water that allows for water-life to flourish.

On the other hand, the Dead Sea has no natural outlet. Any water that flows into the Dead Sea does not flow out. It literally keeps whatever it receives and as a result, what it keeps is so high that it cannot support any form of life. Not only that, any sea life (with the exception of a few bacteria species) that comes into contact with it will die.

Although I am cannot confirm the scientific basis of this tale of the 2 seas, I find the underlying lesson of this story appealing.

Those who choose to live like the Sea of Galilee are prone to give as much as they receive; themselves blessed to be a channel of blessing to others. Then there are those who, like the Dead Sea, seem intent on keeping all for themselves, giving as little as they can.

DECEMBER is often the time to take stock of the year that is ending and to plan for the new year that is to commence.

At personal level, many of us resolve to treat ourselves and our loved ones better - spend more time together; learn new skills to forge ahead in careers; read more; travel more.

At national level, we aspire for cheaper, better and faster services and infrastructure of various kinds; in housing, transport, education and other areas.

From the Our Singapore Conversations that were concluded in 2013, Singaporeans aspire for a country where the disadvantaged are taken care of; where the elderly can live with dignity; and where there is a greater sense of togetherness , amongst other things.

But none of this is possible if all of us simply articulate our dreams, receive and do not take steps to give and take some steps in making these dreams happen; together with Government and our fellow Singaporeans.

As we create our resolutions for the new year, it is useful to reflect on the choices reflected in the story of the 2 seas.

Give generously and add to the lives of others.

Or give sparingly and keep as much as possible whatever we receive.

You can guess which direction I would encourage us all to take.

There are 2 popular sayings that I find encouraging and useful, especially during this season of the year : “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth” and “A person who is all wrapped up in himself, makes a very small bundle indeed”.

I wish for you, my friends, in this new year, to be abundantly blessed and in turn, be a channel of blessing to your loved ones, the community and to our country.

PS: Just as I was completing this story, I was reminded by a friend of an added perspective to the story of the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

Although the Dead Sea cannot sustain much life, its high mineral content has made it a major centre for health research and treatment. Many visitors are attracted to the popular rehabilitative centre it has become.

This added perspective demonstrates yet another encouraging principle – that no matter how ‘dead’ or unimportant others may perceive one to be, one can still find a way to contribute in life.

Denise Phua Lay Peng/ My Paper’ Fortnightly Column/ 3 Jan 2014