Circle of joy

   Most of the time we read in books of mythology, and sacred books of religion, and hear preachings and sermons that the simple acts of kindness and generosity that we show towards others whom we may know or are strangers will bring us joy and happiness. It does not matter whether we are Rich or otherwise, it is the intention of spreading cheer, joy and happiness that will do the rest of it that is needed. Any religion, religious hymns and books that we come across preach this simple sermon make everything better and more beautiful. This is a simple story of joy that we come across in our lives.             

 Miss Eliza was making the rounds around the Highschool where she was the principal. She was known for her strictness and kindness even. It was a wonder how she was able to balance two extremes effectively. She was deep into the religious belief system about which she did try to teach not preach to her students. She never imposed it on anyone it was the way she communicated that made all the difference. Every Saturday during her English Class(she taught English to high school)she broached topics that taught values of life. She was of the opinion that teenagers needed to be told about such values even though they may or may not know them already. The first 10 minutes were allowed for this discussion. Students were free to talk about their own thoughts about the topic that was started by Miss. Eliza. With this backdrop let us see what the story is that unfolds.      Being a Christian by faith Eliza broached a topic from a religious sermon that spoke about the circle of joy. She reiterated how spreading joy will bring more joy to the one who spreads it. The world will be a more happy and joyous place It does not necessarily mean that her one class of fifteen minutes is going to bring a lot of happiness into the world, it was a small step taken in that direction. She was sure it will bring atleast some change. Before she started talking about the main point she did ask the students to express their view about what joy and happiness are. She even asked how they intended to do it if needed. There were so many opinions that she noted down in her dairy. That would be used to give feedback to the students after the discussion gets over.                

 Miss. Eliza picked up her chalk and wrote few words on the black board within a big circle. At the top of the circle the words 'Simple joys ' were written around which there were a few big bubbles which had the words courtesy, compassion, and care. She cleared her tone and started narrating a short story that would say it all.   

One day a country man knocked gently on the door of the church. When brother john opened the door wondering who it was at that hour of the day, he found a middle aged man standing there with a magnificent bunch of grapes that looked so tempting. Handing that bunch to Mr. John, he'said 'brother these are the finest bunch of grapes my vineyard has ever produced and I have come here to hand it over as a gift to you'. Mr. John said 'that is so nice of you thank you, but I cannot keep the entire bunch with me I need to share it with the vicar for he provided me with food and shelter when I was in dire need. It is worth sharing with him for the support he gave me and my family when I needed it the most. Saying so brother John went to the Vicar who stayed close by and handed the bunch of grapes to him that they were brought for him as a gesture of gratitude as The Vicar had given him food and money whenever brother John needed it. He never even pestered him to return back the money and would wait until brother john was able to return it to him. Having recieved the bunch of grapes the Vicar spent the entire evening admiring the mouth watering bunch of grapes but controlled his urge to swallow them and decided to hand over the bunch of grapes to the neighbour who was elderly and a bit sick these days. The elderly neighbour was always ready to advise him about what to do and what not to do, thereby giving him the necessary guidance anytime that the Vicar needed. The elderly neighbour was touched and overwhelmed with this gesture of the Vicar but thought of sharing the bunch of grapes with his family Cook who fed him with nutritious food due to which he was able to regain his health and strength. The Cook was so happy on recieving the bunch of grapes for his service as a cook. Who on earth will be so considerate towards a Cook he thought. On second thought he felt the grapes should be passed on to the most holy man in the area around. He was revered for his knowledge and experience. So, he would be the best to value that Marvel of nature. The holy man being so well learned wanted to hand over the bunch of grapes to a young lad so that he might understand the smallest details of the creation of God. When the young lad a novice recieved the bunch of tempting 🍇 grapes he recalled as to who had welcomed him at the gate allowing him to lead a worthy life amongst this community of people who knew how to value the wonders of life and share it with others as well           

Before nightfall the young lad hurriedly took the bunch of grapes and handed it over to brother john thanking him profusely as always for giving him a chance to lead a better life. He was thankful because it was brother john who was the first person to welcome him into the community even though the lad was new and unknown to anyone.          Brother John understood that those grapes were destined to be handed over to him and so the whole circle of passing on the bunch of grapes was completed before it reached home to him.    . .     Miss Eliza finished narrating the story and asked the students to express their views about the story in short as all students had to get a chance to do so before the bell.    The students were puzzled how the passing on of a bunch of grapes from one person to another happened. Even though the bunch was not expensive or something unique it did teach a simple lesson that simple joys of life can be experienced with small acts of courtesy, care and concern and these qualities were worthy.