A Guava gift

May we all have the blessing and grace to think and do what we have to do every moment, every day and all through our remaining days.

A huge wish. Though it may sound simple, perhaps its the greatest wish a man can make. Personally, I have always problem with staying focused. Life seems to happen in phases, there are days which are highly productive and days that are wasted. Even during  a single day, there are hours which are well spent and there are some which are idled.

So here at the small village where I am now in Andhra, when I am bothered with bad time management which spoils my day I know I have to take some time out to get the system corrected. Back in my hometown a visit to the local church is always a very helpful option. Here we do not have much churches around in my reachable neighborhood.

Interestingly, there is a small temple which is visited by thousands on Saturday night. I have found solace in its compound, sit somewhere quietly and meditate.

After my quiet time there, I came out and was watching the dance offering of a group from a distant village when I came across a hardworking young woman I know and her two school going children, the younger one just starting the school. The conversation was so pleasant with the elder boy asking me things about school and studying and I was telling them all I know.

Before they left, they gifted me a Guava.

Sunday at Vallarpdam

The walk around during last Sunday at Nellore, got me down with a swelling on my gums. I wasn't sure whether I could make it to Kochi, where I have to come for meeting some arrangements of life. :) A few days late, I could manage the trip in the hot weather with the help of antibiotics. 

Kochi too, was hot. When I reached the church the 11.30 am mass was on and the church was crowded... a lot of pilgrims from all around. I stood out during the service in the north yard where the sea breeze still blows. Many construction around the church has stopped the wind from blowing and unlike earlier, we cannot be comfortable everywhere around the church if we have to attend the service standing outside in the yard. 

It's been almost a month since I have come to Vallarpadam  so being here on this Sunday was very important for me. Inspite of the emotional and spiritual need I was very distracted after the mass. I did not get the satisfaction of being with the God in meditation. A few things were going on yesterday and the day before yesterday since I came home, the business of life, it had gone well too. Still, I got distracted from holding the whole heart to God for sometime. :(

The church, as always, looked clean and neat, this old stairs to the balcony was so pleasant I couldn't help taking a picture of it. 

As soon as the mass was over everybody left and the church became empty around noon. The heat was having its toll. At Vallarpadam, the church is never so empty. Few dozens of devotees will always be there. But that few do not make our big church in anyway full. 

After having a simple lunch from the Meenakshi Restaurant I came back to the Church and spent some more time. Fr. Abel CMI's, way of the cross was on sale at the church shop, I bought one and read through it. Since I havent gone to church on Ash Wednesday initiating the Lent, the feel of Lent surprised me on my first visit to my Parish Church on Saturday. 

Wish you all a good Week my dear friends, May we all think good and do good and be happy that we could so. May the distractions be not so severe to take our mind of our motto. 

A hot Sunday

After the Sunday Mass I took a shared auto to the area around the main bus stand. The sun was getting warmer and warmer as it was in the last week. Walking around I found this small hotel who served the most splendid dosas of Nellore. 

Later walking around the crowded business part of old Nellore , I came across this small church named after St. Antony. 

The mass time was over, still the church was open and empty. I could sit there for a while in the cool comfort of the church praising and worshipping all alone. I felt very happy and thanked God for the opportunity. For those of us who have to seek divine help to survive the hurdles of the day such convenient prayer opportunities are God sent indeed. 

On my way out I met a boy who was coming from the presbytery who helped me with reading a board in local language and told me directions on how to go back to the bus stand. He had surprisingly good English. Now looking back I wonder why I did not take his picture. 

I have met some good people in this old town who have been extremely helpful to me. Thank you God 😊