Wednesday, November 04, 2020

How Not To Lose Hope

Walking down the street, I came across this little guy few days ago. He was sitting outside a shop; selling small toy lights. Just looking at him I for some reason paused there and looked at him.

I could sense, he was literally begging for money in the guise of selling stuff. Still he caught my attention and kept me thinking for him. After a minute of looking at his impressions towards every person who passed by and ignored him… I went and leaned and actually sat alongside him.

Son, what is the price of this. I started the conversation.

Sir, this one’s for 30, this is for 50 and this…. I’ll give you this for a 100. He said showing me different light toys.

Okay, nice. I want to ask you something if you don’t mind. Do you study? Do you go to school? I asked.

His facial expressions changed, suddenly he looked like the bear that is on to a lone salmon stuck in a puddle. He carefully and very respectfully answered.

No, Sir. I don’t. But I’ve taken admission and soon I’ll be going to school. That is why I’m selling toys to come up with necessary tuition fee and money for my uniform and books.

He was lying.

I knew it the moment he started mustering up that answer. Two decades in Police service. I’ve either questioned or witnessed interrogations of I don’t know… thousands of people “and by people I mean real life culprits, thugs, thieves, murderers, gangsters, robbers so on and so forth” and those experiences have taught me a lot about identifying people who lie to your face. Obviously this kid stood no chance of fooling me.

I remained silent for a moment, looking at him.

Then I took out my wallet, and gave him 1000 rupees. His eyes were bright and his smile was contented. Indeed, he wasn’t expecting to pull such a fast one.

I stood up and said.

Son, I know you are lying to me, and that you do not intend to go to school. But I want to advise you anyway, you should consider it. I understand you have a family that needs you to work in order to earn daily bread and you should keep at it. At the same time, Let me offer you a deal, if you decide to go to school… I promise to take care of your tuition and every other school-related expense on monthly basis. How does that sound?

His facial impressions turned innocently pure for the first time. I’m no mentalist but he was for the first time imagining himself wearing a clean and tidy school uniform, carrying a bag, and going to school in the morning just like all the other kids he knows in his neighborhood. He looked at me in complete silence. He had no idea of the proper response. I don’t blame him.

I gave him my phone number.

I want you to contact me whenever you decide to go to school, I’ll help you.

Having said that… I walked away.

So folks, I want you to look at this interaction from two different angles, not only I made a fool out of myself by handing him quite an amount but also possibly committed for such an education expense that I couldn’t possibly afford in the first place.

There’s was no hope of him calling me, he was going to laugh behind my back, spend the money and most probably keep scamming people. On the other hand, if had he called, I was to be put in an awkward situation to support a child’s education. It is a miracle to endure through each month with the meager salary I get being a cop.

Then whats with the blunder I made? Anyone would wonder.

The answer is, you do not lose hope. You are alive and willing to attract betterment, success and prosperity.

But then again what is hope actually? It is your expectation or desire for “something” to happen. Well, the problem is… the world does not function as per your desires… unless……… you put confidence, understanding and real effort for that very “something” to happen. Then it is a different story! You stand a very good chance that way.

Yes, then that “something” can and will happen for you!

That kid has contacted me, and his enrollment in a school has been done. I asked a very good friend of mine from Norway to chip in for the good cause, and it has been all managed. Voila!

No, hope will not turn you into a super human and break all the worldly barriers for you, but with effort, intention and belief… you’ll do one heck a good job.

You’ll rise and You’ll shine.

Now and again!

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