On
meeting a friend or relation casually after exchange of greetings, we generally commence
our conversation with the remarks: “How do you do? Is everything fine in your family?”
And then usually response is that God is gracious on them and all is OK. Exchange of such
words has become customary with us. This operation can be labelled as a mere lip service,
as it is devoid of truth. Which family is fine? Who prays sincerely for whom? Who is
conscious of God’s grace?
In
truth, we are all dis-satisfied with our life. We all have to face adverse problems and
situations. We make persistent endeavours to make circumstances wholesome throughout life.
The status quo, however, stays on. Serious and discreet thinking over the basic cause of
our failure and dis-satisfaction would reveal that we have adopted an erratic style of
life. In case we concentrate on changing ourselves, instead of changing our circumstances,
we would achieve the cherished goal.
The process of changing ourselves does not mean an escapist attitude on life, but contemplating life as a test and a contest. If we are determind to succeed in life, we shall have to admit everybody around us as our well-wisher. We would have to earnestly practise this art regardless of hostile and abusive attitude of any and every body. Only then we would sail through life comfortably. A philosopher rightly said that our foes teach us more than saints and enlightened personages. We should be grateful even towards one who places thorns on our path. With such a perception, we can remain satisfied even in adverse circumstances. A serious and sagacious speculation on our domestic problems and hurdles would enable us focus on these issues, would dispel all our difficulties. Even stone blocks in our way can serve us as staircases. We can thus enjoy the relish of contented life.