Training with a resolve!

This young man has been training carrying 20 kilos of weight on his back for the last two years. His athletic interest in long distance run, and sports interest in football and basket ball grew into a passion. He has few medals to his credit in the district level and he is now at the state level. 

At the age of 19 years he is earnest about his intentions and aspirations. 

He received his inspiration from his parents, both of whom were state level winners in different individual sports events. 

I promised to keep him anonymous when I talked to him. I took his permission for this picture which was rather special. 

Th first part of his walk and jog is for prayer, he said. That touched me. He believes that God gives him strength and motivation, while he trains in  a disciplined way. 

There is strength to one's conviction, when one arms oneself with faith! Faith to this teenager was a resolve to let go what he cannot do and do what he can do diligently. That was a new dimension to my understanding of faith!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Freshness in summer!

The grass on the ground is showing some signs of drying in the summer heat! But not these flowers!

It is a fascinating sight because these flowers remain exposed to the sun all through the day and gets watered only on alternate days. Yet these flowers do not show the signs of summer heat! Instead they have even honey for the butterfly!

These flowers carry a protective property in their  genetics!

We humans too have such protective strength within us. Yesterday I met with a family of two children with autistic behaviour. The father recently died after a second real transplant. I vaguely suggested that the mother considers having one of the children on a residential care at least for a short time for respite. But she mentioned, 'God is my strength and I shall overcome even this challenge'!

We are gifted with such an overcoming spirit! About three million people are affected by extreme drought conditions in Maharashtra. They get water once a week! Some walk ten kilometres to get their water supply! 

There is something unusual about human instinct of courage, comfort and confidence! This is God's gift to humankind!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Summer Time

How exciting it is to have the internet connection back after almost a month! One disadvantage of being in a rural area, where support services are not so well developed!

It is hot sometimes the mid day temperature soaring to 42 degree celsius. There are few drizzling days towards the evening. On one such evening, while walking through our backyard garden, I noticed this orchid in full bloom without showing any sign of the summer heat!

They are supposed to bloom where they are planted! They choose to do so!

During our three years of being here, Anna and I are learning all the time about the mystery of nature! 

The creation story for many is fictional, but as I see such ecstatic and exceptional flower blossoms, I feel drawn by the Biblical story of creation. 'Everything came into being because God created them'.

One thing is even more mysterious! It is during the summer months these orchids are eminently coloured!

As we behold this mystery, it resounds within our hearts a joyful chorus of thanksgiving for having been given all that we need to live joyfully! Sometimes it is when we are in an intense hostile environment, we discover our residual inner strength !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)