(Unasked)

Whenever news of any relative visiting from US flashed, I used to get really excited. To be honest excitement was not as much for seeing them as it was for getting a chance to visit Airport. That four walled building in Delhi with white lights and sounds of planes always fascinated me in childhood days. Be it exams or holidays, I wanted to be part of the team that went to receive or send off the visitors.

This was in 80s 90s. And then years changed to 21st century.

For job reasons had to travel to UK in Year 2007. The place of work was far off from the nearest mission quarters. To attend Sangat would travel every weekend to Hayes. And most of the times it was road transport - the national express bus service to Central Bus Station. On one such travel, I was caught up in various thoughts when it clicked where I was traveling. The destination was no different from every weekend's travel but perhaps I had given a thought for the first time. London Heathrow Airport !!!

I couldn't resist being astonished on what time had unfolded - that (unasked) wish of visiting Airport was transformed into a fulfilled wish of every week visit to one of the world's busiest Airports. More than astonishment, feelings are of gratitude that I hadn't even asked of something like this but was given. Something that I had actually forgotten with time but He hadn't.

Other day on occassion of Ram Navmi, I had posted a message from Babaji's discourse that "Ram Nav Mei"  which perhaps was read by one mp as "Ram Knows Me". We shared smiles after he mentioned his reading to me. However to be honest there can be so many examples in life such as mentioned above that this seems more true that Ram Knows Me....!!!

Not only I Know Ram, but Ram Knows me ... arre wah!

(Although He knows us all :) )

Another stepping stone

Would she be Okay in England? One of the things that brought me anxiety while preparing for Mom's arrival in UK was her unfamiliarity with 'English' language. From rest of the angles I think I had somehow assured myself but her ability to communicate with only 'English speaking' crowd was something I was struggling with. However a sudden click reminded me that even though she doesn't know English but at least her son does. I can be her translator. In case we get to spend time with some 'English only' people, I will do translation. While my mind was busy rushing these thoughts, it also gave me few more mixed thoughts of gratitude & pride - Isn't it great? Thanks Babaji that I went to Convent School and had all education in English. Looks like Babaji already started preparing for her visit - years before 2011 by sending me to an English medium school. Good that I know English, else it would have been tough. Both of us in England, without English :) Not now! With her translator son, She'll be Okay. Didn't realize when these thoughts also brought back hidden pride of being better equipped with English Language.

But thankfully the pride soon changed back to gratitude. It didn't take long to reload one of the memories from childhood when I was complaining to Mom about her level of education and she gave back a life long lesson. Mom, do you know how embarrassing it gets in school to say that my parents haven't even done their class Xth? My expert Mom, without any waste of second threw ball back at me, "I agree that we aren't that educated but are making sure you don't repeat same thing. At least be thankful for this." In matter of seconds, it seemed that googly was at origin and all complaints vanished.

I think it was this very statement which took back pride that had started to creep in and returned thoughts of gratitude. Gratitude towards Guru and also parents who despite their level of education made it possible for us to have best of education. Not just worldly but also spiritual education. In the same set of incident also, on one angle it might appear that I have translated and helped her to communicate in an alien country but on a better angle it is she who has helped her. My being able to help her was only possible because she has equipped me with English language.

Thanks Babaji, this time the trap of false pride wasn't deep enough and You saved again. When I look back to reflect on incidents of life so far, I am reminded of many such mistakes. Mistakes that have reminded me of my shortsightedness but thankfully such mistakes have also become stepping stones to improvise and carve a better Sunil.