A LITTLE LESSON ON LOVE

The Christmas season is here again, and I would like to share this heartwarming experience with you:

A LITTLE LESSON ON LOVE

After quite a busy day, I just decided to take a little break from everything and reflect on whatever was going on around me. I had momentarily forgotten that I was in the classroom of life and was bound to learn a lesson or two before my ‘break’ ended.

A young girl passed by happily holding a cone of ice- cream in one hand and some food in another, obviously a treat from her father, who was beside her. Not taking much notice, I looked elsewhere to see what next could catch my attention, when I realized that the little girl was walking back, her treat still in hand. She was walking back alone, with her father watching her from a distance. In a few seconds, I learnt something a thirty minute sermon may not have been able to teach me. Our little lady walked up to a young boy who had been sitting on the curb (and whom I had failed to notice) and handed her ice-cream to him. Though she did not look too pleased, she did not seem to hold any grudge with her young neighbor, and quickly went to join her dad, with just one hand occupied now.

Some questions popped up in my mind, which I would like to ask my fellow Status Quo Changers as well:

©      First of all, how often do we take time off everything to just reflect?

In our times especially, life seems to be getting busier and faster by the minute. We need to make a conscious effort to pause, revitalize and then advance. No doubt if I had not gone on that little break from everything, I may have missed out on a great lesson, no matter how little it seemed; a lesson that will stay with me for quite a while.

©      What do we as parents (or potential parents) teach the children around us?

This little girl most probably could not believe her ears when her dad asked her to hand over her ice cream to a total stranger; but the practicality of the teaching will definitely be imprinted on her young mind for quite some time.

Our present attitude is most of often shaped by the little things taught us by our parents. In return, the attitude of the children who also watch us will be influenced by what we say and do. At this point, I would like us to take a moment to just whisper a prayer of gratitude to God for our parents. They have in one way or another been channels of blessings, paving the way for us to also make an impact.

©      Give in order to receive

Before the girl gave out her ice-cream, both her hands were occupied. After her sacrifice though, she had one hand free, with which she could have received something else from her dad. Sometimes, we hold on to what we have so tightly that we end up missing out on our blessing. No matter how difficult it may be to give at times, there is always a blessing, be it direct or indirect, hidden or obvious. A step of sacrificial love could just be the key to that door of blessing you have been waiting for.

©      How sensitive are we to the needs of those around us?

Surprisingly, I had not taken much notice of the young boy sitting on the curb. As such I did not fulfill any need the boy may have had. There are so many people on our streets these days, yes, who seem to be in need and it may sometimes seem so mundane that we no longer feel the need to reach out. But we still need to keep our eyes open to spot the particular people God has sent our way to be a blessing to them. Today you may be a blessing, but tomorrow someone may in turn be a blessing to you.

I forgot to add…the little boy in his surprise took the ice-cream, savored how it felt in his hand, and devoured it hungrily. Your gift to someone may not necessarily be an ice-cream, but it could certainly be a little act of love that would make our world a much warmer place!

Even as Christmas is here again, let us not forget the true reason for the season, JESUS CHRIST, Who is the ultimate Example of true sacrificial love. People may never see Jesus physically, but you could be a signpost of His never-ending, all-encompassing love.

©      A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU WITH LOVE!

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