Today marks the Seventh Day of the Chinese New Year, traditionally known as Human Day—the day when all people celebrate their shared birthday. This custom traces back to the ancient legend of Nüwa, who first created all living things and only at the very end formed humankind. Interestingly, across many ancient civilizations, creation stories follow a similar rhythm: humanity is always created last.

Scripture echoes this truth. Ecclesiastes 3:1 declares: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Verse 2 continues: “A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, reminds us that God’s creation unfolds according to divine order. God grants life the gift of time—time to grow, time to mature, time to flourish.

Yet many assume that what God creates must be “perfect.” Genesis 2:18 tells a different story: “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” Adam, though created by God, was not considered complete in isolation. God saw that Adam needed companionship to become better. Indeed, Scripture records that God looked upon His creation and saw that it was “very good”—not “perfect.” The distinction is profound: God allows growth, improvement, and transformation over time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 affirms: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Beauty, goodness, and fulfillment emerge only when things happen at the right time. This is the divine rhythm—the principle of timing.

Parents and teachers, this truth speaks directly to us. In raising children, have we honored the importance of timing? Or have we, swayed by the “winning at the starting line” theory, tried to force growth prematurely, pulling seedlings before their roots are ready? God gave Adam time to grow, and even provided him with a companion to help him thrive. Should we not also grant our children the patience, space, and timely support they need to progress step by step?

As the New Year begins, let us imitate God’s wisdom and learn from Solomon’s insight. Timing and rhythm matter more than speed. Growth requires patience; rushing only hinders. May we embrace the divine order in our lives, trusting that in due season, all things will become beautiful. And may this year be one of steady growth and continual progress for each of us.