It is easy to lose sight of the silent battles that are going on in our lives in the hectic flow of everyday life. Cases of apathy may go unnoticed but there are cases when one decision has a far-reaching effect than we could ever imagine. The story is about neglecting someone in need, and the strong awakening that ensued, and how empathy, awareness, and timing can unexpectedly impact the trajectory of our lives.
An Ordinary Day with No Space to Waste
Arjun was proud of his discipline and attention. Every day was marked by a systematic schedule, the work in early morning, and the obligations in the evening. He thought that success required focus and that distractions particularly those that appeared unproductive were to be avoided. When he had to drive through the busy streets to a vital meeting, he was not thinking of anything except deadlines and results and had no time to think of anything.
The Incident That appeared to be Nothing
At a bustling intersection, a weakly looking man was sitting peacefully on the sidewalk requesting people to assist. His voice was not demanding, but rather patient and his eyes had an inwardness that promised a tale. He briefly looked at Arjun when he was reaching out to him. Arjun turned his head and walked more briskly instead of halting, assuring himself he had more urgent matters at hand.
Justifying the Decision
Arjun kept on his track but reassured himself that he was doing the right thing. He thought that he would not make any difference by assisting an individual and that he could spend the time at a different place. Efficiency was more important in his mind than compassion. This argument, as popular as it was, put him in a wall between him and the human relationship which he had just rejected.
Another Turn of Events.
Afterwards, this perfectly laid plan of Arjun started to fail him later in the day. A sudden development made him retrace his steps to the same region that he had traversed before. This time the streets were not the same, not that they had changed, but that his viewpoint had started to change. There was something about the previous encounter that haunted him and it had to be addressed.
The Truth Revealed
By the time Arjun returned to the crossroads a little group had assembled. Curious he went up and found that the same man whom he had turned his back on was no beggar. People mentioned how the man used to be a respected teacher, who had lost everything because of the circumstances that he could not influence. He had still been able to lead and assist others whenever he could, in spite of his difficulties. This realization came home with a heavy blow to Arjun, who realized that he had turned his back on a wise, honorable person.
The Intensity of Recognition
The fact that he had not only neglected to help out a needy person, but a person who had done a significant service to society, started weighing down on Arjun. Remorse crept in, not due to lack of recognition, but due to a lack of action to be kind. He began to wonder how many times he had forgotten such instances in the past without even thinking about it.
Learning to Be Compassionate
It was a wakeup call that Arjun had to face a troubling reality about his priorities. Success, as he had formulated it, did not contain an important part: empathy. He came to understand that small acts of kindness are not pauses in this life but rather necessities of life. Compassion is worth nothing when it comes to big gestures but in humble, just in time actions towards people close to us.
An Altered Attitude Moving Forward
Henceforth Arjun was different in his approach towards life. He was more aware, more alive, and more ready to interact with people who were not in his immediate vicinity. He never forgot that short meeting and that experience was to remind him of the fact that each person has a story to tell.
The Cost of Delay
Timing is one of the greatest lessons that Arjun learnt. Kindness is a chance that is easily missed and in many cases, it can not be regained. The words too late have a heavier connotation that goes beyond regret; it is a reminder of the need to take action when the moment comes and not to delay compassion to a more convenient time.
