Patience is a virtue rarely seen in people, and almost impossible in children. One morning the boy declared, that he could wait no longer and he wanted to meet God now. If mother could not show him God, he would just go out and find God by himself.
The mother knew this search would result in a very long day The poor child would be disappointed and definitely get hungry.
The mother packed him some samosas (dumplings) and a bottle of water and then saw him off at the door with trepidation and a big hug. The little boy trotted off looking back and continuously waving bye to his mother before he passed out of sight.
The mother knew her son would not go very far and let him go alone. When he had travelled about a kilometre, the boy came upon an old woman at the edge of a lake. She was gently swinging her legs as she sat at the edge of an outcropping rock, just looking at the ducks and birds in the water.
The boy sat down near her and opened his sling bag. He was about to take drink from his water bottle when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry. So he offered her a samosa which she gratefully accepted, and smiled at him.
She radiated an appealing warmth which was even more engaging whenever she gave that glorious smile. After a while he felt compelled to offer her another samosa, just to see that smile again.
Smile she did, filling the little boy's heart with joy and delight. There they sat there together all afternoon enjoying the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings without exchanging a word., There they sat just eating and smiling. It was just so wonderful.
As twilight approached, the boy realised how tired he was and he got up to leave. Before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him another big smile. Then he scooted off home.
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.
She asked him, " What did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home.
Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?"
She replied! "God and I shared some samosas near the lake. You know, he's much younger than I expected."
_______________
Quite late in life, with the blessings of my spiritual teachers, I have awoken to the realisation that many achievements I ascribed to my intelligence, hard work and good luck, was actually divine grace. Many problems I experienced were actually boons in disguise.
All of us get to share samosas with God in many ways, only most of us fail to realise it.
Challenges and problems are always there, but beauty, love compassion and friendship is also abundant everywhere. We often see the blemish but not the moon.
Racing through life, chasing God alone knows what, I had frequently overlooked the touch, smiles, love, kind words and deeds that I was fortunate to have received. So many people have touched my life in special ways that I know not even where to begin thanking them.
I believe I am a little wiser and a lot humbler, to look back and now recognise many of these contributions with gratitude.
_________________
This post was inspired by a mail I received from my dear friend Anoop Desai
