Radio Ruhaniyat: August 04, 2018

Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of Radio Ruhaniyat! I’m Preet Sahi.

We are sharing an interesting story with you this week.

Consumed by her loss, she didn't notice the hardness of the pew where she sat. She was at the funeral of her dearest friend-her mother: Margaret, who finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense; she found it hard to breathe at times.

Always supportive, Margaret clapped the loudest at her daughter’s school plays, held a box of tissues while listening to her heartbreaks, comforted her at her father's death, encouraged her in college, and prayed for her, her entire life. When her mother's illness was diagnosed, her sister had a new baby and her brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so everything fell on her, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. She counted it as an honor.

'What now, Lord?' she asked sitting in church. Her life stretched out before her as an empty abyss. Her brother sat stoically with his face towards the casket while clutching his wife's hand. Her sister sat slumped against her husband's shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child. All so deeply grieving, no one noticed that she sat alone. Her place had been with their mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication…….. Now that her mother was with the Lord, her work was finished, and SHE WAS NOW ALL ALONE!

She heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to her. He folded his hands and placed a map on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. 'I'm late,' he explained, although no explanation was necessary. After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, 'Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of “Margaret?''

“Because that was her name: Margaret". Never Mary, no one called her Mary'' she whispered. She wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side. He interrupted her grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway? 'No, that is not correct,' he insisted, as several people glanced over at them whispering; 'her name is Mary: Mary Peters'……… 'That isn't who this is’…’Isn’t this the Lutheran church?’……..'No, the Lutheran church is across the street'…….…'Oh'………'I believe you're at the wrong funeral, Sir'.

The solemnness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside her and came out as laughter. She cupped her hands over her face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave her away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious. She peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside her. He was laughing too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. She imagined her mother laughing.

At the final 'Amen,' they both darted out a door and into the parking lot. 'I do believe we'll be the talk of the town,' he smiled. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked her out for a cup of coffee.

That afternoon began a lifelong journey for her with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. A year after their meeting, they were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor. This time they both arrived at the same church, right on time.

In her time of sorrow, God gave her laughter. In place of loneliness, God sent her a companion. This past June, they celebrated their twenty-second wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks them how they met, Rick tells them, 'Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven.'

We all love God. He is our source of existence and Savior. He keeps us functioning each and every day. Without Him, we would be nothing, but with Him we are everything. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for Good in others. God doesn't make mistakes. He puts us exactly where we are meant to be. For everything, there is a purpose!

Circumstances enable us to grow as human beings. Pain is our greatest teacher. Regardless of where the pain comes from, there are always lessons to be learnt. Physical pain alerts you to a problem in your body that needs attention. Emotional pain does the same thing. It is through emotional pain that God will mold us, so that eventually we can become a flawless piece of work. Never be afraid of pain or hardship. It comes into our lives when there are lessons to be learnt in order for us to grow spiritually. God knows what He is doing!

God is never away from us even though the storms of our lives may sometimes make it seem so; just like the sun is always there even though the rain clouds may sometimes hide it. So, in hard times, quit worrying and just know that God has taken over the reins of your chariot! Sit back and relax and trust God with all His moves.

GOD’S EVERY MOVE IS CALCULATED AND WELL-PLANNED!!!

IF THINGS HAPPEN AS PER YOUR WILL, YOU ARE LUCKY!

IF THEY DON’T, THEN CONSIDER YOUR SELF LUCKIER

BECAUSE THEY WILL NOW HAPPEN AS PER GOD’S WILL!

-Until next time, this is Preet Sahi reminding you to Stay Spiritual!

Radio Ruhaniyat is inspired by thoughts and views from members of the Sant Nirankari Mission, along with Inspirational & Motivational speeches, posts, articles & stories. The Foundation of this program and the message being conveyed is inspired from www.nirankari.org