A FATHER’S GIFT OF SCARSThe father and his teen aged son went on picnic. They reached the banks of a calm river frilled with lengthy grass. The crystal clear water tempted them to take a dip. Rational prevented the father from treading untested waters. But the inquisitive son plunged into the river. Since his son had training in swimming he watched the enjoinment of the young which transformed the father as well. However, a sudden fear of an eminent danger to his son gripped him. He shouted in alarm to his son to rush back.. The son heard his unusual voice and swam back with all his might. The father intensely following every movement at the very minute saw an alligator following his son. Before the boy could climb back, the creature had reached him. But the very minute, the father jumped on the alligator. His son’s legs were already inside the mouth of the carnivorous . With all strength he grabbed a sharp piece of rock that came handy and struck it into the mouth of the alligator. He then rushed to drag his son’s legs out of the mouth of the being. It took a number pulls before the boy could be completely freed. The commotion brought the passers by to the scene and the media in strength with videos rushed to cover a sensational incident. The boy given medical attention, gave the details and showed the wounds inflicted by the alligator. Answering the media he categorically stated “The wounds created by the crater is not as painful as the pains of the scars created by my own father while attempting to save me and the pains of those scars will remain for very long periods for sure”. The father as a silent spectator hang his head in shame on an intense feeling of guilt. The mediamen wanted to know whether he was angered at his father for his mindless and uncareing act. The answer was swift and instantaneous. “Not the least. In fact I want these scars to remain there as long as I live as a reminder of the boundless affection, compassion and care my father has showered upon me at the very moment of grave danger to my existence. I am in no doubt he would have laid down his life in the process. Though I had always been aware of this, the very moment of his swift action of my defense opened my inner eyes to the magnitude of his affection for his dear one. I thank the pious alligator for revealing to me the power of providence in him” He indexed his finger at his father whose presence was then noticed for the first time. They saw a fragile figure with a number of wounds all over his body which spoke a lot about the intense battle that was fought to save his offspring. It was indeed an emotionally charged moment for all. Needless to mention that the father and son were weeping loudly out of intense feelings of eternal pleasure. The story ends here. But what about our own life which continue and are prone to every kind of hazards. We drive through busy streets to workplace and back on routine. We my meet with accidents which are some times capable of tearing our lives. It could wipe out our drams of power, position, money, happiness etc and make the rest of our life a burden. But how many of us remember that the providence keeps us protected always from graver situations. Some religious people remember the god only when they reach places of worship. People escaping accidence remember the hidden hands of the providence on such occasions. But the people meeting with accidents immediately rebuke the lord for absence of care and affection for his ardent devotees. They lift an accusing finger at his merciless nature and express firm disbelief at his very existence. The scars created at the intervention of the father is the only concern on such occasions. Unlike the boy in the story, they never reason out why the specific scar was inflicted. A mother , lamenting at the sight of her still-born child showers insinuations at the providence for the merciless act, never analysing the consequences of giving birth to a half grown baby . Thechild burden the life of the couple. Perhaps the intention of the lord could be to keep their life free from the consequent unhappiness. With out realizing this very fact they accuse the ever loving father to make his head hang in shame and sadness.Let us, therefore remember that the providence cares for our life at every moment . Let us take a firm resolve not to make our father hang his head in shame and sadness through words or deeds. Just because an untoward incident happens in our life, let us not forsake him and discard his care and concern. Let us realize that the present pains, sufferings and scars are as a result of the higher scheme of protection evolved out of the limitless affection of the providence for us. Let us realize that the god is infallible. Let us repose boundless confidence in his rationale. Let us thank almighty for what we are to-day and what we will be tomorrow.