Encouragement

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PAPA’S STRANGE LOVE

My friend Chander reported a strange incident in his life that I could not digest. However, it certainly did transform my previous outlook or precisely that lethargic attitude in me.
Thus goes Chander's narration: "My father is always a strict disciplinarian who believes in the wise words of king Solomon, 'Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him' and with all humility practices this axiom in his life. Now this so called 'rod of correction' used by my father is rather very special, always unpredictable, makes you shudder, shatters your heart but usually leaves an indelible scar promising to make you a shining star.

In this process, I have developed a sort of admiration for my father despite the admonition received. I take pride in the fact that he has always condemned my foolish choices never defending it even when I showed signs of serious concern for my folly. Well, I have been your co-worker for the past three years. Have you ever noticed my being late for office on any account?" he questioned me after having given a detailed description of his father's acts as a devoted disciplinarian.

I gave immediate instruction to my CPU (brain) for checking if ever I had seen him late at the time office. Having received the confirmation, "No records found," I told him, "As far as my memory goes, I appreciate the fact that you are always punctual. However, it seems as if you are pinpointing me that I am late to office today." Swift came his sharp and sordid words, "Come on! I am talking some serious stuff. It's not the time for kidding. It's about my father, myself and the impact of that memorable incident on me." I pleaded, "Alright! Please continue. I am sorry! Your question did prick my conscience too."

Once again he continued, "You know that my brother Virendra, just one year elder to me works for an oil company in Saudi Arabia. He has purchased two grounds in a pompous locality in Chennai and has a handsome bank balance. His wife is managing a home business and life is a bed of roses for them. Shortly he is expected to return with a great fortune." "Hey! Are you envious of your brother?" I interrupted. Once again words darted like piercing arrows "God forbid! Not that I least envy him but that I regret my negligence of a small thing which has become the rock on which I have come to grief."

With much sincerity I asked, "What makes you say such a thing?" His tone lowered, since sorrow surrounded his soul as he told me the following. "Five years ago, my father asked my brother and myself whether we were willing to work in a foreign country to make our fortune. Both of us nodded and immediately he set about looking for suitable jobs that were worthy of our qualification. Now remember I told you that my father is a strict disciplinarian one who takes every single step with great care. He spent all his hard earned money, arranged for our passports, fixed our jobs and also got the visas as he had promised and was quite happy about the welfare of his sons.

The house became busy with great activity. My mother moved around with more enthusiasm packing all our things. The following day, my brother and myself were bound to take off at 4.30 a.m. My father gave the visa, passport, flight tickets and other important documents wishing us the choicest blessings of our Lord. We prostrated at his feet and received his blessings. Early the next morning I woke up but it was too late. The flight that was supposed to fetch my fortune was heading towards its destination with my elder brother in it. I stood trembling even as I heard my father say to my mother, 'Let him snore and sleep. It is none of yours nor my business to wake him up. Let him learn a lesson. I showed him the way and now I leave it to him. I have no regrets for my action.'

My dear friend, I overslept that night. Perhaps you may say, 'It's just a small pardonable act' yet my father had paid a very big price for me to learn a lesson to this day." On hearing this account a shudder went spiraling down my spine.

"Drowsiness will clothe a man with rags." Proverbs 23:21

"How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep; so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man." Proverbs 6:9-11

For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. Hebrews 12:6

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