Monthly Archives: April 2017

REMINDER (Do I need it?)

Life, Uncategorized,

 

When the word reminder is  split into 3 parts it will look like re-mind-er

In other words , it is something which I have in mind, to remember and do. How will you respond to a reminder. Does it make you happy?

I can share some of my own experiences specially when it comes to being given reminders from my better half. It irritates me sometimes. Why? Well, I know that this involves something which needs to be done somehow, and immediately, or it may refer to events , meetings, or oft times forgotten moments.

I reflect on the reasons why I dislike reminders..Is it because I think I know it all, and do not need reminders. Or does  it pressurizes me , when I have a busy schedule.

There are times when reminders  come even through  scripture.

Today I read from 1 Peter 5: 1-10  which speaks about how a leader of people should be like a shepherd of a flock entrusted to him  ‘not simply as a duty but gladly, because God wants it. . This reminder brought me back to the time when I was installed as a Coordinator of a Community , and it was clear that this leadership meant to ‘ never be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow.” (1Peter5:3)  Today this reminder can be so helpful to leaders in all walks of life.

Soon after this I read in the following verses of the same chapter ‘Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat, Stand up to him, strong in faith and in the knowledge that your brothers all over the world are suffering the same things.’ ( 1Peter 5: 8,9)  This reminded me of the time I was on tour with my wife and she was robbed of her bag, which contained cash and her passport. It was quite disturbing , and we felt stranded in a foreign country without any help. At that time , my daughter, spoke to me on the phone and told us to read this particular verse from the bible. It gave us such consolation and strength, and we were then prepared for the challenge ahead.

So reminders can be God sent messages to help us in life, to keep us on track.

In the corporate world, what would happen if the secretary to the boss, did not remind him of his flight date and timing for important meetings. Reminders will also help him to prepare for important discussions ahead.

In life’s road , reminders serve to guide us on the path to an eternal destination. These will come in many ways. Are we listening? Or will it be like the Tin man in the  ‘Wizard of Oz’; he certainly does not know his way, and causes others to lose their way too. Reminders are like the compass or Lighthouse, which guides ships out at sea or near the coast.

When I am alert, and heed these reminders, I can be sure,that

‘I am on the right path’………..So let us all welcome ‘reminders’ with a smile.

 

Cyril’s Surprises

Life, Uncategorized

IMG_0158When you meet Cyril

DSC_0008 (2)Alphonso, you will be surprised. He is more tech savvy  than an average youth, inspite of his age ( 82years). He started off as a radio operator, but also held many posts at different times, when sailing with Wallem’s shipping Company.

My earliest memories as a young boy, was to see him at his verandah, giving us a wave of his hand in greeting. One vivid moment was, when he caught a kite that drifted into his balcony; he called out to me and handed over that precious piece of flying paper, which gave me great joy.

He was at that time one of the few am radio operators in India. He still operates under the code name VU2AY. Before satellites existed, the am radio operation was a sure way of communication in times of disaster or wars. Even today, the am radio  community of operators exists, and are in touch with one another.

His knowledge has since increased to computer stuff, which consists of hardware and software.

He has been of great help to the nearby St. Isabel’s School, where he started the Computer department. Subsequently he provides assistance to any person in need of old computer equipment for which he is adept at upgrading or providing solutions.

The miracle of Cyril, is that he now lives a second life. He was seriously sick and hospitalized. We wondered how he would come through after major stomach operations. But he has rebounded back to normalcy with a bang. After spending a lot of time being bed-ridden, he now walks around the neighbourhood. His faith in God, has given him this new lease of life.

Cyril is gifted with a knowledge of multiple languages i.e  English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, and Gujarati, and has the desire to learn even more of the local languages in India.

He has a compilation of spiritual music, and teaching modules which he has saved over the years.

But today, he is keen on passing on this treasury of knowledge in diverse streams , to his family and friends, rather than seeing it all going to waste. I am one of his beneficiaries.

Cyril has updated knowledge of all matters of the village specially in regard to the leased land.  He has made it a point to study old documents which provides relevant information when needed.

I got to know Cyril better during my visits with Holy Communion to his home. But with improved mobility, he made it a point to attend the Eucharist daily, in the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers, at Matharpacady.

I was in the midst of this article , and had not completed it for some weeks. Suddenly one day I got to know that Cyril had a heart attack, and was admitted to hospital for immediate surgery.

I was away from home, during this time, on a retreat;  I prayed that I may see Cyril well again, on my return. And yes, this wish was granted.  I was overjoyed to see him back home. He is slowly recovering, and his family is around him to shower him with their love and care. Cyril’s wife Sydel is a devout lady, and they have been happily married. A few years ago they celebrated their golden wedding. They have two sons and a daughter, who have all started families of their own.

A walk with Cyril, would be a slow walk , but with a lot of talk!

We wish Cyril many more fruitful years in the quaint environment of Matharpacady.

Note: the pic shows Cyril with his grandson, at his balcony…