Aug 3, 2010
It's a rainy day here in Bangalore and the weather reminds me of my wonderful childhood days. It's so true what our grandparents used to say - that village life looks smaller than city life but then here you always have people around you ready to help you.
Yes, today I stay in a city where hardly do people have time for each other. Why have we become so deaf to the music around us? Deaf to the cries which call us for help.
It's because today time is money and not happiness. We have forgotten to spend time with our loved ones because we are busy leaving an impression on our bosses so that the next promotion holds our name higher. Yes, today this is the way we live. With growth of technology man adapts himself but he moves away from real life.
What does our life demand from us and what are we doing with it? It's true that Jesus gave up his life for the sake of our sins, and today he is still suffering. We say today's children are tomorrow's citizens but then why don't we make them realize this?
But we forget to teach them ethics, prayers, and words of faith. Yes, this is what today's children lack. They are not aware of the spiritual facts but are very much aware of the latest technology in the market. This is life today.
I work as an associate software engineer here in Bangalore, and the cool weather makes me want to continue my sleep, but then all of a sudden the shuttle timings flash to my mind and I have to jump out of the bed and get ready in a jiffy. And when it's Saturday I heave a sigh of relief as it's time for rest. This is the case of nearly 60 percent of the population which works for IT companies.
I remember my struggle in engineering college. Every exam I wrote I felt like I could not clear it because enjoyment was always the first priority. And then when the exams came we rushed to the library only to find that all the books were gone for photocopying. After every exam I used to go to the Altar and curse the Lord and many a time I used to sit outside during prayers saying god doesn't understand and wants me to suffer. My mom and sister used to make me understand how much god loved me and that it was just a way of testing me.I could read in my mom's eyes that she was trying to tell me something. She told me a small story which goes like this:
There was once an offer to exchange one's cross with any other at a shop. One person in his desperation got his cross and kept it inside the shop and told Jesus that he wanted an exchange. Jesus took him around and asked him to select whichever cross he liked. The man browsed the shop for nearly two hours and finally chose a small cross.
He took the cross and came to the counter where Jesus was standing. Jesus laughed at the young man who got angry and demanded to know the reason for his laughter. Jesus told him softly, "My dear, this is the same cross I had given to you when you were born. Why did you take so long to search for your own cross? If you had to select the same one why did you come here?" The young man was shocked. He cried aloud, "Oh, lord you are genius, you are the saviour."
This story made me cry and made me realize that if my mom loved me so much then Jesus must love me much more. That's perhaps why mother is said to be the child's first teacher.
I have often wondered why children try to seek satisfaction and companionship outside their families. I have seen among my friends that the prime reason is the military kind of family system with all sorts of rules and regulations that is followed by the elders who insist upon being obeyed. Children are treated like robots and in their yearning for a friendly atmosphere they look outside the famiy. Parents must therefore create an environment where children can feel comfortable and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings without hesitation. If not, there is a danger of losing touch with the children who want not things but guidance. They need to be prepared spiritually and financially to face the world but in today's scenario working parents have little time for their kids who are compelled to pass their time in front of the idiot box.
I have been very lucky in this case, as right from childhood I have shared everything with my family and the same has been the case with my younger sister too. Both of us had loads of stories to share with mom every other day so she would finish her work while listening to our chatter. However, today when I visit some of my relatives I find that the kids are silent and don't share a word. It surprises me, because they seem like mere toys.
It is very important to spend time with the younger generation, listen to them and understand their needs. Our families should become the pivotal focus of our lives, for, when we reach the pinnacle of success we must ensure that we are surrounded by not just our colleagues but also our loved ones.