It was almost the day’s end. Everyone had packed up to check out when a technical snag developed in the plant and he went in to check. By the time he finished it was late. The doors were sealed and the lights were off. Trapped inside the ice plant unnoticed by others without air and light, an icy grave was almost sure for him.
Hours passed thus. Suddenly he heard someone opening the door. Was it a miracle? The security guard entered there with a torch light and helped him to come out.
On the way back the person asked the security guard, “How did you know that I am inside? Who informed you?” The guard said, “No one sir. This unit has about 50 people. But you are the only one who says Hello to me in the morning and Bye in the evening. You had reported in morning, but I didn’t see you go out. This made me suspicious and decided to check.”
Never did the person know that a small gesture of greeting someone would prove to be a lifesaver for him. So do us. We don’t know, a warm smile or a small act of empathy may work a miracle in our life too.
Life is all about give and take. It doesn’t matter who you are – rich or poor, accomplished or unsuccessful – ultimately you will get only in the measure that you give. It is the natural law of social life. You can’t expect to get in return what you’ve not given out. However, let not our actions be based only on pragmatism and expectations of returned favour. Unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle of modern life what human beings often forget is to ‘be human’. Be assured, out of the 10 people you help, at least one will prove to be ‘a friend indeed’.
Over the centuries of ‘civilization’ mankind has become more and more self-cantered and selfish. I remember, during my childhood relationship among family members, relatives, friends and neighbours used to be much more intense and mutual. There used to be a strong sense of sharing, not just goods but successes and failures, sorrows and joys of others. Everything was everyone’s affair then.
Paradoxically, in this so-called ‘globalized’ world with many sophisticated gadgets of rapid communication, individuals are moving poles apart when it comes to genuine relationships. Growing up in nuclear families children fail to learn sharing, adjusting, respect for elders and other values that make us ‘human’. One must remember that whatever we achieve, behind it there is the help, hard work, sacrifices and inspiration of many persons. Therefore, it is our obligation to give to others what we’ve freely received. Only then shall harmony and humanity prevail in society.
Finally, all must realize that the secret to success and personal greatness is in giving, not in taking. Give without remembering and take without forgetting. Happy living!!!
