Principles – “The Grower of Roses” – Saturday, 12th of August, 2017

We spoke at the last article about the little girl, “The Napkins seller” that her pure smile brought happiness to a woman’s heart that was invaded by sadness, pain and depression; hence happiness filled others’ hearts. In this story, I can find many principles that should be considered the foundation of our life.

First: goodness doesn’t bring anything but goodness that returns to his presenter who awaits nothing in return.

The little girl began the goodness cycle when she gave the napkin paper to the sad wife, so she could wipe her tears. The paper napkin was accompanied by her smile that brought the wife comfort and solace. So in return, she made her husband happy. The cycle of happiness and generosity did not stop here, but it extended that the husband tried to make the waiter happy at the café he sat in solitude after the argument he had with his wife at the past morning. The cycle of happiness grew more and more to include the seeds saleswoman and it grow more and more that it reaches our little girl who initiated the cycle of happiness herself. In others words, “Whoever grow roses will reap nothing, but roses”. Hence, I recall the Solomon’s the Wise’s saying, “Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days”.

Second: Man should honestly and simply give as much as he can, all matters will turn in his favor. God is pleased by your giving no matter how small it is as it indicated you are a considerate person who has a heart of gold not a hard one. As much as you give to others, God will satisfy your needs and enhance your capabilities. Our little girl owned nothing but few packs of paper napkins that she offered one of them for free though she was in bad need for its price. She neither did withhold it nor save her sweet smile to a sad lady whom she had felt for. At the same time, the lady had nothing to offer but a true apology that pleased her husband who didn’t care about how much money he had so he offered it all to the waiter who in return offered some of it to the old lady so that it reached her orphaned granddaughter in the form of food she was in need for. Verily, this is God’s indescribable plan and His work that is beyond question. Thus, dear reader: try to help as much as you can, even if you think it will be useless. Just do what you can and leave the rest to the Ruler of the universe who grants people their true needs and sustains them according to His infinite knowledge and His great Philanthropy

To be Continued….

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center