How I came to know Him

Back in the 80's, the television broadcasted at the most three channels. Those days, every evening, dad would passionately tune into the evening news channel while I played with my toys amidst the cacophony of the TV noise.

In between my play, now and then I would peek at the TV and very often I would see men throwing stones at a group of army soldiers. I once posed a question to my dad on why these people were fighting. He nonchalantly responded that they were fighting in name of God.

Though I didn't completely comprehend his reply, my take away was God is a villain involved in plotting conflicts. At that time I was around 4-5 years and I hadn't been introduced to the concept of God yet. Though there was a small corner stand with pictures of God, I seldom paid much heed to them.

Then as the days approached closer to exam, now and then mom would mention the phrase “You do your share, God will do his”. Though I was very annoyed by that axiom, I never retaliated. Probably mom didn't know God was a villain the way I did, I convinced myself.

And then it was the day of my first round of kindergarten exams. This time she insisted that I pray before leaving for exam. Though I nearly lost my fuse, to avoid a war of words, I decided to pretend I was praying. God hadn't won my heart yet.

As months passed by, one day I misplaced my favorite box of colors. I rummaged around the house in vain. Then I ran to my mom seeking for help. A very unusual reply slipped off her tongue, “Go ask God”. It was very unlike her. But this time without a minute of hesitation, I grabbed the stool and stood up on it and prayed, “Oh God! Help me find my box of colors.” Afterward, the very next place I looked for I found my colors. I was overjoyed and thanked God. It was it that moment I thought, God is actually a nice guy and very helpful too.

Though it all began with box of colors, it was never a text or a person but rather a lot of similar instances and blessings that has made his presence affirmative in my life.

So much like the air we breathe – invisible yet he’s always there.  But sigh! Only if we all had believed God is one and has no religion then how much better this world would have been.