Sunday 19 July 2015

A MISSIONARY FLOWER BY THE ROADSIDE


Once a tiny flower seed from gardener’s bag fell among the weeds by the roadside. Gradually the seed found enough space among the weeds and began to share their soil. The seed soon sprouted and began to grow like any other weeds. However, it felt strange among the weeds to find that it was totally different from others. Nevertheless, the seed maintained its difference and grew to be a lovely plant and began to bloom. The charm of the flower simply fascinated million passersby and its ceaseless spreading of perfume refreshed their lives with renewed energy and zest. All types of people passed by that road. Some noticed at the flower and marveled at the beauty it adds to their life and others just passed by without even noticing for they were too occupied with their pity activities. However, the flower never grumbled or criticized anybody for not appreciating its beauty or for ignoring its perfume. It was just there by the roadside, blooming to the full and everlastingly pouring out its perfume to all the passersby without considering who or what type of people they were. It was a flower that stood upright, lived to the full, brought joy to millions and one day withered away leaving sweet memories for million passersby to cherish.

The flower is a beautiful imagery of our life and it can be better suited for a missionary who is called to bloom among the people he never knows. He is totally different, unique and yet finds his place among the people he is called to share his with. He never tries to dominate or control them rather shares in their culture and tradition. He becomes one among them yet maintains his unique identity. Just like the flower he is called to bloom in the place where he is planted or placed. Just like the fascinating flower by the roadside even his blooming in love, wisdom, peace, joy, patience, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, righteousness, humility, etc. is easily noticed by million passersby or people with whom he shares his life with. Again, just like the flower he pours out ceaselessly his perfume of charming qualities on the people he comes in contact with. He never forces or expects anyone to be like him. However, his very cheerful-fascinating presence attracts millions to re-tune their life to the light of true joy and wisdom. 

Viewing the life of a missionary many marvel and appreciate him for the beauty he adds to their life but invariably there will be some who will never bother him just as we saw in the case of a flower. However, a true missionary never criticize or grumble at anybody for not paying heed to his way of life rather he continues to carry on his life with same energy and zest. The missionary is very much aware that living a life of light inevitably dispels the dark; yes even the hardest of mind gets illumined.  Hence, he is just there amidst them like the roadside flower blooming to the full and everlastingly pouring out his perfume of qualities without considering who or what type of people come to nourish their life through him. He pours out himself unconditionally to all the people in need.  He is a man who stands upright, lives to the full, brings joy to millions and one day he will pass away leaving behind sweet memories for millions to cherish and at the same time his well lived life will continue to ripple in the their hearts and mind to change for better.
Romanius Barwa

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