Frequent Visitors.

Anna and I have often been surprised by the variety of avian visitors in our garden- now it is the turn of the squirrels. Ever since some  banana plants have  flowered, at least two squirrels are frequently seen feeding on the honey. Both these squirrels visit the  same banana flowers at least twice day. 

What makes me write about this is the way the squirrels go about finding their daily food and possess control over the food. I have noticed the same squirrels at all the banana flowers in the garden. They follow the same route for arrival and departure. They too have their territorial claims like the birds and do not allow other squirrels to come into their space. I have found the two squirrels chasing away one intruder.

This is the universal phenomenon- self preservation. This is natural to most species.

It is for this reason, that I continue to be attracted by the message of Jesus, who suggested that, ' it is in giving you receive' and demonstrated this reality by his own life. He surrendered Himself to the call of the cross that others may have fullness of life. This vicarious giving creates a new ethos for relationships.    

Is it possible to give till we feel emptied! A five year old girl, whose story I heard yesterday, reminds me that it can be possible. She decided to let go of her birthday presents to pay the school fees of a girl, who had not joined the school for lack of school uniform and books. This girl decided to help the three year old neighbour to join school by denying her rightful birthday gift. This so moved the parents that they took initiative to help the family even more.  

Let me confess that, self promotion, acquisitiveness and personal ambitions have become the driving forces for successful living. The squirrels tell this story. This has become socially and morally acceptable. Against this misplaced view of life and living backdrop, some of us need to create a counter culture of living with a mission, 'make life meaningful for others'. This calls for trust in the nobility of this mission and its potential to be a leaven.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)