Showing posts with label park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label park. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Walk and Stumble



Last year winter was at its peak--icy cold and biting. One day, I decided to go for a walk in the morning, not in the least aware of what was in store for me. Wearing all my warm woolens , drove my car and reached the park. As I walked through the gravel path the chilly morning air seemed to pierce my very being. My shawl slipped from the head onto the shoulders. Keeping pace with the steps I quickly covered my head tightly tucking the ends in the folds of the shawl.
My walking was now on fast pace. From the corner of the eye it seemed something crossed my path and the next instant I stumbled over something. Thinking, that I must have stumbled over a stone, turned to throw it aside. One look at the object was enough to horrify me out of my wits end.
“Jesus!” I let out a long wail, “I stepped over a squirrel”?
Bending low I quickly picked up the poor creature. Taking it near a tap sprinkled some water. Making a cushion of my shawl, I placed the squirrel and gently wrapped it. Holding close to my bosom a fervent silent prayer kept running my lips, “Please God ..save this little creature…Please don’t let it die.”
Forgetting all about the walk, I ran to my car to take the poor little creature for some medical help. The vet did his job, administered some medicine, kept the squirrel in his clinic and asked me to come next day. My world had come to halt. The guilt of nearly killing the poor creature weighed heavy on my heart. Next day the biggest joy I got was when I saw the squirrel open its eyes. Tears of joy rolled down my eyes. I thanked God for saving me from the sin of killing.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Smile: An impact


 Just a few days ago, I went for a routine morning walk in Deer Park. People kept coming and going. They were all strangers, obviously didn't expect any greeting from anybody nor did I extend any. Enjoying the morning breeze, and the greenery around, I kept walking. Just then an Englishman, coming from the opposite side, wished me 'good morning' with slight nod, gentle smile and passed by.
'Goodmorning ', I returned his greetings.
Almost instantly I was transported in my thoughts to Minneapolis, a short vacation which I undertook in the month of June, last year. Everyday, I would go for a walk in a nearby creek. It was a pleasant surprise for me that every passerby would wish me with a nod, gentle smile and walk pass by. I would greet them in return. The impact was tremendous. I felt joy in my heart. A gentle smile ignited happiness and rejuvenated my whole being. That was the power of greeting with a smile. I liked their culture of greeting with a smile.
The same happiness I felt today .Encouraged I moved forward with a resolve, ‘Let me try the smile magic' and looked around hopefully. I started focusing on people. Smile! Oh it was a far cry. I found mostly people (those who walked alone), busy with their mobiles glued to their ears, or walking with a frown .The stress mostly writ large on their faces, deflated my whole focus and the smile evaporated within. I finished walking and sat in my car to go back, a wish lingering in my heart.
I wished everyone greet each other with a smile.. strangers too. I wish they could spread happiness and joy in each others heart...All that is needed is a gentle smile.. the impact--Tremendous!!