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Sandeep was a man of problems. If he said something he created a problem; if he did something there was a problem; if he didn’t, there was yet another problem. The problem with him was that he felt everything was a problem in life and so he worried much. He was advised by all his well wishers to learn to tackle life’s situations and not worry about them.

Each person has a different perception of life and a different attitude towards befriending another person.

One person can be nonchalant towards helping another. A second one may want to help because of a superiority complex (or perhaps to put the other down), the third would probably seek to assist out of vested interests and a fourth person would willingly help out of the richness of his heart. That is true brotherly love for his neighbor. In which case he would precede his charitable act with a prayer.

Reflection

“Keep God as your friend and you’ll never lack anything,” was mother’s advice to Raul when he was seven or eight years old. Whenever Raul forgot this advice he stumbled and fell along life’s journey. But he never failed to secretly desire God’s help. It was always there.

Whenever you feel you have sacrificed a lot in life or when the temptation to pride yourself on being utterly selfless overtakes you, then take a walk in the garden - preferably on a hot summer's day. You will see a lot of people taking shelter from the scorching heat of the sun in the shade of the trees. Notice how the trees stand tall and expose themselves to the burning heat, how without complaints they protect the tired away farers.

Reflection

We can learn a lesson or two from nature.

Name of the Book - Thoughts for Daily Living

Author - Dominic Mathews

Mrs. Silva was returning home from school service when she suddenly remembered her shopping list. She stopped at the nearby store to buy her groceries. At the same time her neighbor, Asha, also arrived to make her purchases. After the routine exchange of morning greetings and pleasantries to each other, Mrs. Silva remarked, “What a relief, it rained last night!”

“We have a loving God, “ added Asha, “Come June,” she continued, “and He knows the wells are dry and the rivers tap and lets it rain to fill our reservoirs.”

Reflection

A story is told about two utensils that were placed side by side on kitchen table. One of them was covered with a lid while the other was left open. Soon the open utensil began to collect dust. In an attempt to avoid dirt, the open utensil pulled the lid off teh closed one to cover itself and thus exposed the contents of the closed utensil.

Reflection

How often do we reveal the faults of other people to conceal our errors in life?

Thoughts for Daily Living –

A King appointed a learned man to teach his son and ordered him to daily report on his progress. Whenever the report was good and the prince was praised, the king was pleased with the man. But on the days when he brought the prince's faults to his attention, the king would be displeased with the learned man.

Reflection

We welcome flatters and disregard those who tell us the truth.

It takes courage to accept one's faults in life or those of a dear one.

Thoughts for Daily Living – Dominic Mathews

An old man advised his children as follows:
“Friendship,” he said, “is not bestowing gifts but reaching out in times of crisis. It understands another with tremendous patience and self sacrificing love. A friend is one who gives good advice, cares, corrects and encourages another friend to grow. He expresses concern about his sorrows without envying his achievements. Friendship is fragile and yet it is durable. It can withstand the onslaughts of slander, gossip, malice and threats because true friendship is founded on love.”

Reflection

Sakaram worked as a peon in an office for over thirty years. He was a office for over thirty years. He was a sincere worker and an honest person, especially with money.

However, Sakaram had many personal problems which brought about his addiction to drinks chewing tobacco. Although he had a negative leave balance and a track record for being drunk on duty sometimes, he was in employment because of his good work. He also enjoyed the favor of many of his colleagues.

I always say I am a little pencil in God’s hands. He does the thinking. He does the writing. He does everything and sometimes it is really hard because it is a broken pencil and he has to sharpen it a little more. Be a little instrument in His hands so that He can use you anytime, anywhere. We have only to say “yes” to God.
Mother Teresa

Reflection
If we remember the words of a hymn: “All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you,” and seek God’s grace to comprehend the depth of their meaning then we will readily in silence, surrender our will to God.