Oracle about Oracle!

A little more than a month back I quit my second job and joined my third organization – Oracle. I had shared with you earlier, how I landed my second job. Click here to read it. Well this time the experience of leaving the second job and joining the next was pretty similar, a little bit more direct though.

On my way to work, I always used to cross the Oracle office. I have been taking the same route for more than a year, and it was just another office building, but since the beginning of this year I started thinking about job opportunities there. God, who knows my heart’s desire, knew this desire as well. Within a few weeks time, one of my college friend who works with Oracle dropped a mail to all our batch mates about an opening there. The profile and the location of the job opening was exactly what I was looking for! However, I couldn’t respond to that mail promptly since I was away on a vacation and my resume wasn’t ready. I managed to send the resume in a few days time, but I guess it was late by then. I didn’t hear anything for a few days. I, then, left it to God’s providence. Why do I worry! If He has planned a job for me at Oracle, it would happen. If not, it won’t. As I would eventually come to know, God actually did.

A couple of months later, I got a call from a recruiter in Oracle regarding a similar job posting but in a different city. I proceeded with the rounds of interview and what followed next were days that I would never forget. I realized that God was more interested in my life and my career than I was. I realized how strongly and directly God would communicate to me regarding the plans He had for me. I realized once more that God is alive and active and working in my life.

I was going through multiple rounds of interviews. On one of those days, during my daily time with God, I came across a Bible passage in the book of Isaiah. I was going through it and when I came to the last verse, a surprise awaited me. The last verse had the word ‘oracle’ in it! That was the name of the organization I was being interviewed for! I took it as a sign from God. Little did I know that it was just the beginning of many days through which God would speak to me personally and precisely about my career.

26^th April: I completed all the rounds of interviews and was waiting to hear from them. Even before my recruiter spoke, God did. Again during my personal prayer time I came across the verse 2 Samuel 16:23, this also had the word ‘Oracle’ in it.

28^th April: I was rushing to work and just had a few minutes to watch TV as I gulped down my breakfast. I was browsing through the channels when I came across an image of a man holding a placard which had the word ‘Oracle’ written on it. I was on that channel for just a few minutes, but God used this opportunity to speak to me. That day evening, the recruiter called me to get some additional information regarding my salary.

2^nd May: I was in my hometown. Again during my prayer time, God led me to a passage in the book of Proverbs. And you guessed it right; I came across another verse which had the word ‘Oracle’ in it!  Proverbs 16:10. That night I got a call from the recruiter who wanted to discuss the compensation package they were planning to offer me.

In all the years put together that I had read the Bible, I have never come across this particular word so many times; leave aside it happening within such a short span of time. Of all the scores of books, hundreds of pages, thousands of verses and millions of words in the Bible, God was guiding me towards these specific ones and speaking to me so directly! It was as if He was physically present right next to me and telling me where He was taking me.

9^th May: I received the offer letter from Oracle and that too for the location I wanted! But I think that was the easy part when compared to what followed.

13^th May: I was asked to join Oracle within two weeks. This was a very short time when compared to the two months’ notice period that I had to serve with my previous organization. I didn’t even want to demand this because I felt it was unfair on my part. I thought a lot and finally conveyed to the recruiter that if its two weeks, I won’t be able to accept the offer.

14^th May: During the Holy Mass, I was inspired to ask God to make this offer happen. God, being a loving Father, has always encouraged me to ask from Him just like a child would his father. And so I did. And within minutes, I got a call from the recruiter saying they are trying to take an exception approval from the highest authority. I clearly remember him saying, that such requests usually do not get approved and if it does it would be a miracle. When I heard this, I smiled and said to myself, “He doesn’t know that my God works miracles day-in and day-out.” I was sure he would get his miracle.

15^th May: He did get his miracle. In the evening, he called me and informed that the joining date has been extended by two more weeks, so I will be able to serve one month’s notice period. That seemed reasonable to me.

16^th May: I spoke to my superior and resigned.

What followed next was a tug-of-war between my present and future employer regarding my relieving date: one wanted me to be relieved as late as possible and the other wanted me to join as early as possible. I would have easily got tensed and worried about the situation, but then again God spoke to me saying, He is in control and that I don’t have to do anything. I just have to leave it to Him and trust Him, which I did. And boy was it difficult.

20^th June: More than a month after my resignation, I still hadn’t got a confirmation about my date of relieving, though my superiors were working hard towards that. Once again God let me know that he was in charge. He spoke to me through a Bible passage once more which had the word Oracle in it. Nahum1:1. This was another confirmation of His plans for me.

21^st June: Early in the morning, as I entered a retreat center to spend some time in prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, I noticed a banner which read: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.” (Exodus 14:14). I have crossed that place a few times before, but never noticed this banner. That day God drew my attention towards it and assured me once again that He is in control, I just had to relax. And that’s what I tried doing. But let me tell you it was so difficult. So many times during the day I would feel like checking with my boss about my relieving date, but then this verse would come into my mind and then I would resist the urge of pinging her or calling.

Within a few days the person who would take over the responsibilities from me was identified and the knowledge transfer began.

4^th July: I was relieved from my previous employer.

7^th July: I joined Oracle. It’s been a little over a month now here and things are going on well. I do not know what future holds for me here, but I’m sure whatever it is, it is as per God’s plan for me.

I’m sharing this experience of mine with you, not to show-off or boast, but to convey one simple thing. “You cannot imagine at all how much you interest God; He is interested in you as if there were no one else on earth.” (Julien Green, French writer).

If you have any issues with your laptop, TV, smart phone, bike, microwave etc. etc., you might approach any of the dubious mechanics, but you know that the most reliable solution is from the manufacturer’s service center.  The one who created the product knows it inside out and is the best one to tell you how to use it; and when it doesn’t function well, how to repair it. Each of us is created by God in love. In the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, “We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.”  And the One who created us, knows us best. Our lives would be so much more meaningful, if only we approach Him, trust Him, love Him, speak to Him, listen to what He says, obey Him and let Him direct our paths.

How long do we run around like headless chicken? How long do we act as if we decide our lives knowing very well that what happens the very next second is not in our hands? How long do grope around and falter in the dark when all that we need to do is switch on the light?

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” – St Augustine of Hippo.

God Bless!

The Greatest Love!!

"You are mine."^A

"I’ll be with you." ^B

"I’ll give up whole nations for you, because you are precious to me and because I love you."^C

"Nothing can separate you from my love."^D

Valentine’s day just got over and you must be thinking that I’ve picked up these words from some love letter or some romantic movie or some poem. Don’t be surprised if I tell you that these words are from the Bible. Who says these words? Almighty God! And to whom does He say this? To you and me!!

In my last post I wrote about love being the greatest thing. And through this one, I wanted to share with you what is the GREATEST LOVE!

Ever since I came to know God in a deeper way, I realized that for Him it’s all about Love!

God created us out of free and unselfish love.^E It was He who formed our inmost part and knit us together in our mother’s womb.^F He says, “Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you. I have written your name on the palm of my hands.^G Out of love, He gave us freedom and free will. He said, “Today I’m giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death.”^H And out of love He asked us to choose life, that we may live loving Him, listening to His voice, being one with Him.^I But we made our own choices. All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going our own way.^J But still God said, “I’ve loved you with an everlasting love.”^K “Though the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love will not depart from you.”^L In spite of that, we didn’t realize His love for us. He sent prophets who spoke on His behalf; He worked miracles to help us realize how much He loved us, but we never paid attention. We had eyes, but we didn’t see; we had ears but didn’t hear.^M However, God didn’t stop. He gave us the biggest gift.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but may have eternal life.^N And this Son, Jesus Christ, was born among us humans, lived a life like that of a mere mortal, went from village to village, town to town, performing miracles, preaching and practicing God’s love; asking us to love one another.^O He said, “I love you just as the Father loves me, remain in my love.”^P And then, He told, what THE GREATEST LOVE is. “THE GREATEST LOVE a person can have for his friends, is to give his life for them. And you are my friends.”^Q He being God, didn’t refer to us as mortals or slaves or followers or devotees. He called us friends! And for His friends, He laid down His life. He was arrested and sentenced and led off to die, and no one cared about his fate. He was put to death for the sins of people. He was placed in a grave with evil men, even though he had never committed a crime or ever told a lie.^R

But His love for us was so great, that death couldn’t stop Him, the grave couldn’t hold Him. The third day He rose up from the dead and He promised us that His love will never leave us. He said, “I am with you always until the end of this world.”^S And He is faithful to His promises.T 

As I write this, it’s not that I had realized and reciprocated God’s love since I was born. From the time I remember, I grew up asking a question, “Why me??” I had a troubled childhood, raised up in a broken family. As I grew up I was haunted by loneliness, suffered from lack of self esteem, self respect, self confidence.  Church and God seemed irrelevant to me, distant from my life. I soon graduated to addictions, leading a filthy life, becoming selfish, pessimistic, self centred. Though from outside I was happy, free and content; I was hollow within. I used to go to church now and then, but in reality I was running away from God. However, I couldn’t go far. Almost ten years ago, God caught up with me. He started speaking to me, helping me understand His immense love for me, and showing how even in my darkest hours He was with me, standing by my side showering His love for me. I realized that someone loved me so much that He even died for me on the cross.  I realized and experienced what GREATEST LOVE is. Today, I know that no matter what happens, God loves me as a loving Father and His love is the source of my joy, peace and strength.

This day, lets pray that we may understand how broad and long, how high and deep is the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge.^U May we experience His love which is with us every moment of our life.

God Bless!

Please find the references to the quotes in bold.

A. Isaiah 43:1, B. Exodus 3:12. C. Isaiah 43:4. D. Romans 8:38, E. Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church – 1 and CCC 1-3, F. Psalm 139:13, G. Isaiah 49:15&16, H. Deuteronomy 30:15, I. Deuteronomy 30: 19&20, J. Isaiah 53:6, K. Jeremiah 31:3, L. Isaiah 54:10, M. Ezekiel 12:2, N. John 3:16, O. John15:17, P. John 15:9, Q. John 15:13, R. Isaiah 53:8&9, S. Matthew 28:20, T. Psalm 145:13, U. Ephesians 3:18,19

"Doomsday" Revelation!

What do you do when you know that the world is coming to end? You must be wondering why am I asking you this question now. 21^st Dec, 2012 - the doomsday - has come and gone. I’m bringing it up because that day I stumbled across a realization which took me by surprise.

So, I come back to the same question. What do you do when you know that the world is coming to an end? Do all that you ever wanted to do, go on a shopping, eating, drinking spree; visit places you've always dreamt about, catch up with your old friends, spend time with family, mend broken relations, pray for the next life....... Well to my surprise, when I went to church that day I found a long line of people waiting to confess their sins. And guess what? I was one among them! However, I hadn't planned it. I didn't even realize it was 21^st Dec till I came back home. I went to attend the morning Mass and after the Mass I felt the strong urge to confess. As I prepared myself for confession, as I made my way towards the confessional, as I knelt down, the power of seven words which I was about to say took be my surprise. I was overwhelmed when I said, “Bless me Father, for I have sinned.”

That’s a prayer, we say every time we begin our confession. But that day it made me think. Isn't there something wrong in that sentence? Why “Bless me, Father”? Shouldn't it be “Have mercy on me, Father” or “Please forgive me, Father” or “Spare me, Father” or “Please don’t punish me, Father”. Instead of asking for blessings, shouldn't we be scared, afraid, guilty to approach the Almighty God, against whom we have sinned? I remember, during my childhood, after fighting with my sister, I was so scared that she would complaint to my mother about what I did. I saw the same with my nephew who is petrified when we tell him that we are going to tell his dad about his mischief. Don’t we feel the same when we have to face our boss after messing up at work? But instead of approaching God with guilt, fearing His rebuke and punishment and pleading with Him for forgiveness, He gives us an opportunity to approach Him with confidence, with love and ask for His blessings and grace irrespective of what we did.

For God, our loving Father, it doesn't matter if we are liars, drunkards, murderers, prostitutes; it doesn't matter if we are addicted to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pornography; it doesn't matter if we have been a bad, mean person; it doesn't matter if we were thankless, jealous, deceitful; it doesn't matter if we didn't support human life; it doesn't matter if we never bothered about Him, if we ran away from Him, forgot Him, disobeyed Him,questioned or denied His existence, it doesn't matter if we are the greatest sinner in the world, as long as we go back to Him, stand in front of Him, repent and say “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” Then He would embrace us and fill us with His love which knows no limit, His peace which is beyond our understanding, His joy which gives us strength and His hope which never fades.

That morning when I came back from the confessional, I felt as if a heavy weight was off my chest. And as I knelt before the crucifix, I could feel His love envelope me. I felt humbled before Him, humbled by the power of seven words – “Bless me Father, for I have sinned”, humbled by the power of His love and forgiveness.

“The Lord is gracious and merciful, abounding in love and slow to anger; .... He does not treat us according to our sins, nor does He punish us as we deserve. As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His love  ....; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove from us our sins.” (Psalms 103:8-12)

God Bless!

I Believe in God

“Congratulations!”, “What are you saying?”, “Finally!”, “This is a big mistake.”, “This came as a shock!”, “Think again.”, “Why? Why now?”, “You are kidding, right?”........ These were some of the reactions I received when I resigned from my first job on 14^th August 2012 without having any job in hand! Yes without a job in hand!! What made me do that? Well, thought of sharing that here.

I had actually been thinking about looking out for a better opportunity for some months now. The reasons for the same were many - both professional and personal. However, I was in dilemma and didn’t know what to do and how to proceed? I wanted to resign, but how could I without getting another job! I consulted a few close friends and family members and they gave me different advice, which confused me further. It had become difficult for me to continue with such ambiguity and I had to decide what to do with my life sooner than later.

Finally, I decided to consult someone who had helped me take many of the major decisions in my life – God, my Heavenly Father! I decided to spend a weekend praying and trying to listen to what He had to tell me. And what I heard surprised me!!

11^th August, 2012: After spending some time in prayer and asking God’s advice I came across the Bible passage - Jeremiah 21:1-10. Some of the verses through which God clearly spoke to me were: “Those who remain within the confines of the city will meet their death....; those who go out ... will live.” After reading it, I was sure God was asking me to leave. I shared the passage with one of my friends who also got the same insight!

12^th August 2012:  After spending some time before the Blessed Sacrament, God spoke to me through the passage – Zechariah 2:10-17. And this is what He had to tell me: “Come, Come! Flee from the land..... Come, Escape O Zion!” ..... “Whoever touches you, touches the apple of my eye.”

I was stunned, shocked, amazed on how precisely, how clearly God spoke to me through my friend and through two unrelated passages from the Bible. The message was loud and clear to me – it was time for me to leave, time for me to resign. I also received assurance that everything will work out well – it may not be in terms of a better job or higher salary, but it surely would be according to the plans God has for me. That night I decided to let go of my worries regarding the bleak job market, the chances of making the biggest blunder early in my career. I decided to let go of the logical and rational person that I am and instead decided to trust God’s plan, decided to trust God’s words! I decided to resign.

13^th  August 2012: I wanted to speak to my superior regarding the same, however wasn’t able to.

14^th August 2012: God spoke again, confirming what I was about to do was correct. 1 Thes 2:13 – “...on receiving our message, you accepted it, not as a human teaching, but as the word of God. This is what it really is.” He asked me to trust in Him as well through the verse Psalm 32:10 – “...the Lord’s mercy unfolds those who trust in Him.” The same day I took the blind leap of faith. I resigned and started serving three months of my notice period absolutely unsure of what was in store for me.

In the following days and weeks, God spoke to me in so many instances, through the Bible, through people, through the mails I read, through signs I saw on the road..... It was just crazy! Every day I used to be amazed how God would speak to me, guide me, comfort me. He was like a loving father, walking by my side, showing me the way when I was lost!

With His grace, things started working out for me.  My resume was shortlisted in a reputed organization, with the help of one of my friends and I was clearing rounds after rounds of interview. However, I wasn’t prepared for what was coming my way. After attending the final round of interview, there was a delay in receiving any communication. When I contacted them, I was told it might take some time and that they were still discussing. Even though I knew I had to trust God, I became anxious and worried that this offer may not materialize at all. The next day (Saturday), during my daily time with God, I shared everything with Him and in return, He showed me a glimpse of a big fish. The first thing that came into my mind was the story of Jonah, how he was swallowed by a big fish and then spat out on the third day. Was this an indication from God, that I would receive some good news on the third day?? I just hoped. On Sunday, while attending a prayer meeting, the priest mention Jonah’s story to me without having a clue of what was going on in my life! This was a confirmation from God that something was going to happen on the third day.  On Monday evening – the third day from Saturday – I received a call confirming that I was selected, that I was being offered a job!! My joy knew no bounds!! I couldn’t thank God enough for being by my side all through these days.

11^th November 2012: My last working day at my first organization. Many times during my notice period, many asked me to reconsider my decision and revoke my resignation. There were times when even I wondered if I should do the same. However, the decision to resign was not mine, it was God’s. The decision to revoke, couldn’t also be mine.

14^th November 2012: Exactly three months after my resignation, I joined the new organization.

Many a times in our lives while taking a decision, we depend on ourselves and on others, when what is needed is to trust God and to listen to Him – the one who created us, who gave us this life, who knows every second of our life. We don’t have to be a saint to be able to listen to Him. We just need to be a child looking up to our loving Father, willing to trust Him completely.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

God Bless!

All for Love!!

All for love, He created us in His image and likeness

All for love, He carved our names on the palm of His right hand

All for love, He knit our body parts together in our mother’s womb

All for love, He called us even before we were born

All for love, He gave us the freedom to choose

All for love, He let us do what we want

All for love, He wept seeing us go away

All for love, He tried to bring us back to Him, tried over and over again

All for love, the farther we went, the closer He came

All for love, He said, “Even if your mother forgets you, I shall not forget you.”

All for love, He said, “The mountains may depart and the Hills be removed but my love shall not depart from you.”

All for love, He came to find us, who were lost

All for love, He became man

All for love, He was born in a dirty, cold manger amongst the least important

All for love, the creator lived with the created, the poor and unwanted

All for love, He who makes all the laws of the universe, grew up obeying humans

All for love, He fasted for forty days and nights

All for love, He preached repentance, forgiveness and love

All for love, He chose twelve ordinary men to be his disciples

All for love, He walked with sinners, ate with outcasts, touched the untouchables

All for love, He cured the sick, the dumb, the lame, the blind

All for love, He raised the dead

All for love, He wept for our sins and our unfaithfulness

All for love, He gave us His Body and Blood

All for love, He who is Almighty, washed the dirty feet of his disciples

All for love, He prayed for all of us

All for love, He sweat blood

All for love, He was betrayed by His closest friends

All for love, He took the insults, the allegations, the humiliation without saying a word

All for love, He was chained and put through the shame of public trial

All for love, He was chastised and whipped so that we could be healed

All for love, He was mocked and hurt, He was spat at and punched

All for love, He carried the heavy cross on His shoulders

All for love, He was stripped, lashed, pierced, crucified amongst sinners

All for love, He hung on the cross, abandoned by everyone

All for love, He prayed for the forgiveness for each one of us

All for love, He who had no sins took the sin of the whole world upon Himself

All for love, He bled every drop of blood, He died the most painful death

All for love, He lay in somebody else’s tomb

All for love, death couldn’t stop Him, the tomb couldn’t hold Him

All for love, He rose from the dead the third day

All for love, He rose in all His glory and majesty

All for love, He met His disciples, gave them courage and faith which they had lost

All for love, He gave them hope, which was shattered

All for love, He gave them peace, which the world couldn’t give

All for love, He gave them joy which they couldn’t contain

All for love, He gave them a new life

All for love, He promised “I will be with you till the end of the ages.”

All for love, for you and me.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. And you are my friends.” – Jesus (John 15:13)

God Bless!

Cup Came Home

2^nd April, 2011 – A day which will indelibly be written in the memories of every Indian of this generation, a day when the long wait of 28yrs was finally over, a day when India became world Champions again, a day when the Cup came home!

It’s one of those days when each one of us will remember exactly where we were and what we did for the rest of our lives. As for me, like most Indians, I too was watching the final match with my friends and like most Indians, once India lifted the trophy it was time to hit the road. I was stunned to see traffic jam at 12:30 in the night in Hyderabad. There was celebration all around. People in cars, bikes, cycles, on foot all celebrating and cheering India’s victory. Nobody seemed strangers anymore. Anybody and everybody was congratulating each other, giving high fives and hugging people whom they have never ever met in their lives before. All cares and concerns of the daily lives thrown out of the window!!

Among all this I just noticed one incident. Two guys riding bikes and celebrating happened to hit each other. There was slight damage to the bikes, but to my surprise they just shook hands, congratulated each other for India’s victory, smiled and left. I was shocked!! Had it been any other day it would have surely led to a blame game, an argument and may be a scuffle. But not that day. Everyone was so overwhelmed by the celebration, happiness and joy that they forgot and forgave all mistakes and wrongdoings.

It just reminded me about the parable that Jesus narrated about a son who fought with his father, rebelled against him, took his share of the money and left his family to follow his own ways, spent his father’s money in reckless living and after that had no choice but to work in a pig sty. He was starving, so much so that he was willing to eat what the pigs ate, but no one gave him even that. Then he realized his mistake and decided to go back home. On his way back, when his father saw him coming, he wasn’t angry or disgusted, he didn’t ask for any explanation, he didn’t  say ‘It your fault’ or ‘I told you this would happen’ or ‘I have nothing to do with you now’, he didn’t argue or reprimand. In fact he didn’t even let his son speak. He just ran to him, threw his hands round his stinking, dirty, unkempt, wretched son and kissed him. He was so filled with joy to see his son come back that he forgave all his mistakes and wrongdoing. He ordered a feast to celebrate the day his son came home! (Luke15:11-27)

Thats how God, our Father is! His joy of seeing us come back to Him wipes away all our sins and wrongdoings.  He doesn’t ask us for explanations, doesn’t blame us for anything, doesn’t hold any grudge against us. He just throws his hands around us, hugs us and forgives us. And along with Him the Heavens rejoice over a repentant sinner. (Luke 15:7)

Lets try to put aside whatever takes us away from our Father and come back to Him to experience His forgiveness, His mercy, His love  and the Joy of going back Home!

Lets forgive others, the way our heavenly Father forgives us! Let the joy of forgiving others be more than the gravity of their mistake, be more than our pride.

God Bless!

Oh.... Daddy!!

For a long time I thought that blogging was not my cup of tea. It needed a lot of time and dedication and I was not ready for it. But tonight, suddenly, I found the urge so strong and so urgent that i just took the step... So here is my first post. Just wanted to share a small incident from my life which left a Big Impact on me.

Being an Electronics and Communication Engineer might sound cool for a few, interesting for some, boring for others; but being in an engineering college is definitely an experience worth re-living. Just above a year ago I was in one of the numerous engineering colleges spread across the country. The four year long roller coaster ride, the four years of bliss, the four years of fun, the four years of non-stop activities, the four years that taught me the most about life (and something about engineering) and surprisingly the four years that changed a boy who would run away from Church into a man deeply in love with Jesus!!!

I was blessed enough to study in a Government Engineering college in South India. And one thing about our college was that all through the year everybody was busy!! Either we were writing one exam or the other, or preparing for them, or moaning at the ones that just got over, or most often trying to figure out ways to postpone or even cancel the coming ones!! It was during one of these exam seasons when I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I was then in the third year and our internal exams just got over. And as any other ‘normal’ student I too believed in last moment preparation. We had back-to-back three days of exams, two papers each day. And on the last day I had to sacrifice my lunch to prepare for the afternoon exam, as I had absolutely no idea about the subject. After the exam one of my friends and I couldn’t hold back the call from within our tummy any longer. We rushed to the nearest restaurant. And as we were waiting for our order to be delivered I  glanced across the restaurant and saw a man and his son, about five years old, feasting on masala dosa. The young boy, though excited, was worn out by the enormous task of eating something that was almost half his size. So it was daddy’s turn to help him out. It was delightful to see such a loving father-son relationship. Even while we were having our teatime lunch I couldn’t help myself from looking at the other table every now and then. I was so happy to see such a loving, caring father. The love he had for his son touched me. He was feeding the boy with so much love that for once I wished I were that boy. But soon the plates, both theirs and ours, were empty. They reached the billing counter just before us and as we were waiting for our turn something happened that shocked me.

At the counter the boy asked for a candy. I expected his request to be granted right away. But to my surprise his daddy said, “NO!!” The boy kept on insisting but his daddy refused. He just paid the bill and walked out. I was dumbstruck. How can a person who was so caring just a few minutes ago, suddenly become so rude!! What happened to the perfect father-son relationship?? My opinion about the man changed drastically. From an affectionate father he became a cruel dictator in no time. A selfish person who can spend Rs 30-35 on masala dosa, but couldn’t buy his son a candy worth 50 paise!!

As we walked to the nearest bus stop they were walking in front of us. The boy was now crying badly. But still holding on to his daddy’s hand he walked ahead. He kept on pleading for the candy but his daddy turned a deaf ear. I was so disgusted at all this that I almost decided to buy the boy a candy if his daddy couldn’t!! I restrained myself. Soon we reached the bus stop. At the bus stop there were a few small shops. I saw the daddy stopping in front of one of them and to my surprised asked his son “ Now tell me which all do you want?” The shop was lined with jars full of candy of different colours and flavours. The expression on the boy’s face changed suddenly. The tears rolling down his cheek gave way to a smile that stretched from ear to ear. His wet eyes began to shine. The boy who was till now stamping his feet in rebellion started jumping with joy. Though confused initially, he managed to get a hand full of his favourite candy instead of just one he would have got from the restaurant.

Isn’t our relationship with God, the Father similar? When we ask something from Him and He grants us, we are so full of joy and thank Him for His love. But the moment one of our prayers isn’t answered we start cursing Him the way I cursed the man when he refused to give his son the candy. Within no time our opinion and relationship with Abba Father changes. We tell all sorts of thing against Him, stop praying and even question His existence. But the small boy taught me a lesson. Though he was sad, heartbroken, disappointed, and angry he never left his daddy’s hand. He just held onto it, walked with him wherever he was taking him till the moment they reached a place where his desires were answered beyond his wildest dreams!!

May be God, our Father wants us to do the same. No matter how depressed or sad we are, no matter how wrong things are going in our lives, no matter what struggles we face in our lives, no matter if all our desires and plans are falling into pieces, no matter how many prayers are going unanswered...our Father wants us to just trust in Him. To jump into his ever loving arms, To just hold onto His loving hands as He takes us to the next step in our lives where he has prepared something wonderful for us, something much more than what we ever imagined.

So the next time your prayer is answered be happy, because it is good for you. And if your prayer is not answered be happier, because it is the best for you!! God has something better in store for you!!

“For surely I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremaih29: 11)