MORAL STORIES

KNEE-MAIL

A person was driving his ‘Model-T’ Ford car through a remote village in USA. He stopped it to take some refreshments from a wayside restaurant. Then he tried to start the car, but failed. He tried his best but could not identify the problem or solve it. As he remained worried and stranded in a strange place, another similar car came forward and stopped near his car. An elderly man alighted from the car and smiling softly, asked the person about his problem. Hearing that the car refused to start, the stranger told him, “Let me try. I have some experience in handling this model.” He examined the car, made some quick adjustments and started it. The car roared into life. The man thanked the helper and praised his skill. Then he asked his name. The stranger told him, “My name is Henry Ford. I am familiar with every part of this car as I was closely associated with every stage of its design, development and manufacture.” The man was surprised to find that the stranger was the great Henry Ford, who founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903.

Henry Ford (1863-1947), after innovative and extensive experiments had developed the Model T car in1908 as a simple, reliable and affordable car which was within the economic reach of the average American. By developing the concept of ‘assembly line’ in motor car manufacture, Ford could increase the efficiency of manufacture and decrease the cost of production. He lowered the price of the car and revolutionized the manufacture and use of cars in USA.

In the journey of life, we may encounter a variety of problems concerned with different facets of our life such as health, education, work, relations, family and finance. We often create unnecessary tension, anxiety and worry when we try to solve the problems by ourselves. Like the car- designer in the story, we have an expert creator, who knows everything about us and our life, our requirements, weaknesses and capabilities and so is able to solve any problem associated with our life. Let us have the humility to surrender ourselves before the omnipotent God. He is the loving Lord who has a definite plan for the welfare of each of us.

It is said that the shortest distance between a problem and its solution is the distance between our knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can face any problem with confidence. When prayers go up, blessings come down. Prayer should be the ‘steering wheel’ and not the ‘spare wheel’ in the vehicle of our life. God answers ‘KNEE-MAIL’ without fail.

The Lord has said, “By my great power and strength I created the world, mankind and all the animals that live on the earth {Jeremiah 27: 5}. David praises the creator, “Lord, you have made so many things! How wisely you made them all! The earth is filled with your creatures {Psalms 104:24}.

“The Lord says…I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for” {Jeremiah 29: 11}.

“Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!”{Matthew 5: 5}.

“Ask, and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” {Matthew 7: &, Luke 11: 9}.

St. Paul advises, "Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him with a thankful heart" {Philippians 4:6}.

“Come near to God, and He will come near to you” {James 4:8}.

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(c) By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.

This is Story No. 164 in this site. Please click ‘Older Posts’ at the bottom of a page to read previous stories and click 'Newer Posts' at the bottom of a page to read newer stories in this site. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read stories on that theme.