Saturday, March 29, 2025
Human life is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Just as night inevitably follows day, challenges are a natural part of our journey. But the real question isn’t why they come—it’s how we respond when they do.
A challenge isn’t painful in itself; it’s our reaction that causes the suffering. Think of it like a bush full of thorns: if you thrash around or struggle in panic, the thorns will wound your mind. But if you stay calm, patient, and composed, that same bush lets you pass through unscathed. Circumstances may not be in our favor, but choosing peace is always within our control.
Once, a sadhu and his disciple— who spent their days preaching about the divine—got caught in a heavy storm and hail. When they reached their hut, they found that nature’s fury had ripped off half the roof, and sturdy trees around them lay uprooted.
The Disciple’s View (Anger and Complaint):
The disciple stood outside, cursing God: “We preach for you, so why punish us like this? What sin have we committed?” He wept over the missing half of the roof.
The Sadhu’s View (Gratitude):
Inside, the sadhu sat with tears of joy in his eyes, thanking the Lord: “O God, your mercy is boundless! In such fierce hail, mighty trees fell, yet you spared half our humble hut. Through this broken roof, I’m seeing the stars and moon in a way I never have before.”
We chase what we lack—money, mansions, possessions—and forget to value our priceless gifts:
Eyes: For those without sight, the greatest prayer is simply “to see.”
Physical Health: Our hands, feet, and strong limbs are God’s biggest blessings.
Relationships: The company of parents and family, even if not always perfect, is a profound gift.
Ignorance leads us to spend our lives in complaints and resentment. The right way to live is this sequence:
Patience: Accept whatever circumstances arise.
Peace: Patience brings calm to the mind.
Gratitude: Peace awakens deep thankfulness from the heart.
Remember: Gratitude isn’t just words—it’s a feeling in the soul. When we give thanks for what we have, challenges shrink on their own.
