Gratitude and Happiness

I walk all the way from the parking lot, crossing stores on the interlocked concrete roads, climbing uphill till I reach the divine abode and have to catch my breath. Thank God, I think, there is some place for me to sit and close my eyes. My lungs are still breathing heavily, but the sweating has almost stopped and a cool breeze blowing gives me comfort. I slowly start to relax. It has been quite a long time since I’ve made eye contact with HIM, and now I wait patiently, sometimes closing my eyes to meditate and suddenly opening my eyes, expecting that He has arrived. He indeed arrives with a lotus in his right hand, dressed in full white, His hair waving rhythmically to the air blowing. I wait on my knees for Him to enter our line. As He comes closer, I look up and He acknowledges me with His eyebrows raised, which turns into a smile, and He pats my head with the lotus. As He moves a little ahead, the white Angavastram caresses my face.

It has been a very hot day, and I throw my school bag and run out to play, ignoring HER call to eat something. Playing cricket with the new bat bought for Rs. 3/- gives me maximum happiness. Running on the rough hard soil of the pitch, sweating all over, a few runs scored, and then my turn to bowl and field before the sun starts to set on the Western horizon. Time to go home. I take my bat proudly, gripping the handle with my left hand, and my right hand supporting the blade as I reach home. I wash my face and legs randomly, and as I enter the kitchen, SHE looks at me, scanning me, takes the end of HER saree, and cleans the sweat and water from my face. Though resisting it, the touch of HER cotton saree across my face gives the comfort, and the conviction of her love for me, so soothing.

HE walks further, and the white sheet of cloth away from me, reminding me of HER unconditional love, and then HE turns back and smiles at me, with a twinkle in his eyes, confirming and acknowledging that He too loves and cares for me in the same way. Tears roll down my eyes in gratitude and happiness, that HE will be there for me always, will love me irrespective of my mistakes, I bow down my head and close my eyes. A few tears fall down on my knees, and with my eyes wet, I sit silently till the emotion sinks.

Jai Gurudev
Ramesh Jalihal, Bangalore