Once again I went to buy some fresh sweet for my friend who is celebrating Eid. I say friend, but it's really the man you delivers my milk, Yousuf. I don't know if you normally do something for your milkman, but if I were in the US I would give my mailman a gift (or did when it was more personable). So, I wanted to share the same kindness with him and his family.
So down the dusty street I walk until I find a rickshaw. This one was far from small, in fact, my legs nearly dangled as I sat in the seat. I can't imagine how the average Indian (who is generally a few inches shorter than me) could feel comfortable or safe in it. But there I was up in my perch, taking in the world, observing and praying as moved. As we approached a hospital, I noticed a rickshaw pass in front of us with a man draped across another man's lap, who was holding him with such care, but also with such strength that the unconscious man wouldn't fall. As I prayed for God's mercy I was overcome with tears. There is no quick, safe way to transport someone to the hospital here. When I myself was sick, I had to hold onto the rickety, bumpy rickshaw myself. I've seen an ambulance, but it sure wasn't moving very fast and no one was getting out of it's way. It was just a reminder that life here is hard, people die that shouldn't. It took me a bit to shake the overwhelming feeling and in the end all I could do was thank God for His own grace in my own life. Death for me doesn't have to be a scary thing.
2 comments:
I know how you feel Mo. Oddly enough, sometime i find people live that shouldn't. In the US we work too hard and fight God so much when He calls home His children. What I see loved ones put family members through all becasue of the fear of death... that is truely sad. Being one with God will make death a beautiful thing to celebrate and rejoice in the success of passage back to our Father.
Interesting comment Julia. We do all have different levels of faith and understanding. And if you really aren't sure of your salvation, or are worried about things like purgatory, well, it definitely changes the way you view the outcome. Unfortunately the majority of the people I encounter here have none of that peace.
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