My Inward Eye.....

A HELPING HAND

Today after reading an article about a rickshaw man who donated his hard earned money to an orphanage, living in poverty all his life. It was really inspiring.
Few days back it was my birthday I dressed up and after attending my household chores I took some articles and lots of biscuits and chocolates to distribute to the children of an orphanage.
I did not know the way but my driver aged thirty very efficiently drove me to “The Mother Teresa Orphanage”. I learnt that he regularly visits the orphanage and donates sweetmeats. He has been a helping hand in our lives. We purchased a mobile for him to keep in touch with him. I remember at any time he manages to be there in our tough times.
On reaching, I got down from my car and entered the premise. It was very neat and healthy looking place. Sisters clad in their dresses looked very uptodate. They directed me to give my articles and showed me the way to the children. Children aged from three months to three years were neatly dressed. A young girl was taking care of them/
There were numerous cradles in a room for the infants. Neatly made bed and the children some playing on their beds. My driver was beside me he impulsively took a child in his arms. He handed the baby in my arms. I was in tears seeing the sweet motherless child. I felt the baby nappy was wet. We changed his dress. How could a mother leave such a small baby? Tears rolled over my cheeks I caressed the infant who was smiling . I rocked the baby in his cradle and moved over to see one physically handicapped child. Another Nurse was in his care. I distributed sweets and chocolates to them. They surrounded me with their hands tugging my saree. Oh God its really pathetic to see them left alone from their parents. What was their fault? To face this earthly journey all alone? My heart bled for them.

Thousands and thousands rendered homeless in this world due to calamities etc. There is so much sorrow and pain in this world. If we just visit them talk to them play with them for a while. Donate our money for their welfare will definitely lessen their miseries. I embraced the young girl in charge of the children. Asked her name.. ‘grace’ pat came the answer. Indeed she showered GRACE. I drove home with feelings for the children and for GRACE. How God sends some people on this earth who spend their lives in serving for His fellowmen. Just remembered the poem Abu Ben Adham by Leigh Hunt wherein he said to the Angel to write his name for(not in the list of those who Love God) but in those who love his Fellowmen. The Angel wrote and Vanished.

       The next night It came again with a great awakening Light

       And showed the names whose Love of God had blessed.

       And Lo! Ben Adham's name led all the rest! 

Back home I rewarded my young driver for his goodwill, his services and spirited nature I had not known all these days! These people are more learned spiritual than us I pondered..

……Prajakta Dighe

Published in The Hitavada. Dt.26/8/2011

Posted on Inspirations Friends Page.