Spiritual Interlude

Before leaving for the 1996 retreat in the USA, I was worried about how to tactfully explain to my eleven year old, half initiated, daughter that I was going without taking her with me. Surprisingly, when I told her she did not protest but reminded me with a smile that I should not forget to bring back candies and gifts for her. My flight was to leave at one o'clock in the afternoon, so I got up early in the morning to pack my luggage. While packing I just said casually: "Oh, the temperature in the US will only be 5 degrees celsius and I forgot to buy heat packs." Then I glanced at the clock on the wall, and said to my daughter who was having her breakfast: "Oh please hurry so you won't be late for school."

Having seen her off to school, I went back to the packing. After a short while my daughter suddenly came back home again! I asked her why, and she smiled and turned to head off to school again without saying anything. Only after I had sorted out my things did I realize that she was worried about me suffering from the cold so she bought the heat packs for me with her own money and risked being late for school. I was very touched and didn't know what to say. I did not notice when it was that Master had taught this naughty and fun-seeking little girl to be so loving, caring and sensitive.

Master, my loving Mother, thank You for taking care of me so attentively and making me worry-free. I hope I can repay Your loving care by practicing harder, more vigorously and more diligently.