In my lastpost I had wondered about the maxim that whatever happens is for the best and I had tried to rationalize by saying that since we can not see the future maybe some good would come out of any unpleasant situation .After the terrible terrorist attack in Bombay I am again preplexed .There have been too many tragedies to recount .The two year old baby of the jewish couple ,the young son of Ats chief performing the last rites ,father of Major Unnikrishnan carrying the heaviest load for a father are some images that refuse to be explained rationally .Around two hundred people have died and hundreds injured and every one death or injury affects a large number of related people .
Another thing which has always bothered me is the suddenness with which death can strike .I hope there is no one regretting the hurts caused or the love not expressed or an apology not made to someone no more .This can be the most terrible burden for the living .

Since childhood we have been taught to believe that what ever God does is for the best .This faith gives us strength to face the struggle and difficulties with patience and equimanity .Sayings like "this too shall pass "based on experience and wisdom of ages help to sustain us through various upheavals in life .But at times I do wonder what good could possibly be in a mother losing her two sons in terrorist attacks ?Or catching a terminal disease or losing a spouse or a parent ?Once when we were passing through a very difficult situation a number of friends tried to give us solace by saying that God tests those whom he loves the best .It led my sister to observe whether there would be a gold medal at the culmination of the test !
But even as I put my thoughts on paper I realize and also rationalize that belief in God is a must to tide through difficulties .Why bad things happen to some may or may not be explained by the theory of Karma but prayer to the supreme power is the only thing which eventually calms the turbulence .So my favourite prayer is the one that asks God to give me courage to change the situation and the strength to accept with dignity what I can not change .