BUNCHES OF BANANAS
A farmer had a banana farm. It was
his only means of livelihood. Vehicles were not common in that remote village.
The farmer had six children. When the fruits were ready for sale, he used to
call his sons and place one bunch of banana on the head of each son. But he
used to judge the weight of the bunch with his hands before placing it on a
child. The lightest bunch was placed on the youngest son and the heavier bunches
on the elder children in the order of age and strength. The he would carry the
heaviest bunch on his own head and lead the children to the market, sell the fruits and return
together happily. This continued for several years.
The youngest son later became a
priest and recalled this experience. He said in a sermon that God, our loving
Father acts just like this father. He would place a load of difficulties on our
heads, but would place just the proper load for each of us, what each of us can
bear and carry without much discomfort. The crosses we receive in our life are
the best suited for our life.
A man has to endure a lot of trials,
troubles and tribulations in his life. In moments of despair and depression we
may ask God why we are constantly being exposed to suffering and pain.
Life is not a bed of roses but a
path of thorns. God gives us burdens; and He also gives us shoulders! We are
like tea bags. Our strength is revealed only when we get into hot water! Stumbling
blocks and stepping stones differ only in the way we use them. Adversity is the
best university.
William
Arthur Ward opined, "Adversity causes some to break; others to break
records." He said, "Great men rise above adversity and attain new
heights of achievement by turning tribulations into triumphs, failures into
fortunes, setbacks into successes, obstacles into opportunities, and burdens
into blessings. They refuse to be hampered by handicaps, dismayed by
discouragements, overcome by opponents, defeated by disappointments, or
destroyed by disasters."
Jesus said, "Whoever does not take up his cross and follow in my steps is
not fit to be my disciple" {Matthew 10: 38, Luke 14:
27}."If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget self, carry his
cross, and follow me" {Matthew 16: 24, Mark 8: 34,
Luke 9: 23}.
St.
Paul says, "I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be
compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us" {Romans 8:
18}
God speaks through Jeremiah, "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}.
……………………………………………………………………
© By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip,
Darsana Academy, Kottayam-686001, Kerala, India ( Former Professor, Cochin
University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India), Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St.
Antony's Public School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath, Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally,
Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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