Tuesday, January 28, 2014

BUNCHES OF BANANAS

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}.


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© 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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                         This is Story No. 298 in the second 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 these sites. Please click on a word in the 'Story Themes' to read stories on that theme.

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