It was a picture of contrast. A random scene on the streets of Mumbai was etching itself in my memories even as I tried to take in the details. The day had been hot and dusty, it still was! I always find it odd to struggle with dust in my eyes and throat while sweating in stifling humidity. My mind says the humidity should deal with the dusty, but in Mumbai it rarely does. As we slowly moved without moving in traffic, I was struck by the sight of a boy, four to five years old, giving a dog water to drink out of a glass.
Everywhere around the dog and boy was a chaotic scene that created a perfect moment frozen in time. Three young men lazily lounged, chatting as they watched traffic stutter by. The traffic was the normal Mumbai jam ten times the amount of traffic anyone thinks possible into a space that cannot possibly handle it. And then there was this young boy. Barefoot, t-shirt and short pants covered with light dusty, he was totally focused on the dog and making sure he has some water to drink.
As he held the glass so it would not fall over and break, the dog eagerly lapped up the water. Every so often the boy would left go with one hand and hug the dog tightly, as if thanking him for the caring loved they shared.
My mind drifted to images of past scenes with the same affection. In each, the gift to the observer was a stark reminder of the power love and compassion have over us. Many of the images were set on soft grass, blue skies, and a sense that all was well in the world. As I watched and remembered, I realized that the common denominators were child-like focus, hope, and love – each a divine gift that lives on within us. “Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you! Holy. Yes, holy.” (Psalm 99.3)
To the young boy, thank-you. May you always know love and the gift of sharing.
