Selfless Shopkeeper

SELFLESS SHOPKEEPER

In this world all of us are customers of one and only one Shopkeeper. This Shopkeeper does not live here in this world. But he supplies all his products to his beloved customers whenever they require. Neither we have to go in search of his shop nor need to place any order priorly. He will supply everything we need. Our beloved Shopkeeper supplies all our necessities even though we did not ask for them. Each an everyday we get his products. Those products are sunlight, water, food, oxygen, fire, energy and infinite products regularly. For each an every product to be delivered he has appointed his manufacturers who supplies these to us. But the one who maintains this is our Shopkeeper. Unlike the shopkeepers residing in this world, they do not close the shop at weekends, nor in afternoon, nor during festivals and not in pandemic too. Their shop of supply is 24/7 without holidays. They do not have any particular favorite or regular customers as such. We all are his favorite and regular customers. Now all of you may be wondering about the amount to be paid and mode of payment for this never-ending service. There is no limitation in stock or supply. The stock is always in abundance. How much do we need to pay? Is it online, offline or does he send his manufacturers to collect his payment? How can we contact this Shopkeeper and his manufacturers?

Putting these questions to rest, you will come to know about this Shopkeeper by the end of this story. But for now I will only say that he does not take any fee for this. He does not gain anything from this. Only we are the takers and he is the giver. Including me very less customers recognize this service (which is not our fault but due to our ignorance). This generosity of our Shopkeeper was realized just like us. And our customer was Mr. Joseph. Let me narrate his story of recognizing this Shopkeeper who delivered this service in every day, every birth, every life we took.

Cute little ducklings were spending time with their Mother Duck in a huge pond. Near this pond, situated a beautiful house of Mr. Jospeh. Mr. Joseph had a wonderful family which consisted of his son Kevin, daughter-in-law Lanie and his adorable eight-year grandson Sunny. Mr. Jospeh was an aged, ailing widow. He was fortunate for whatever he has got throughout his life. From youth-to-adulthood-to-old age, he has been fortunate and enjoyed a lot. Even after entering his old age, he had a blissful life with his family. He had an obedient son, caring daughter-in-law and a cute little naughty grandson who was always around his grandfather just like bees fly around flowers. By God's grace he had a beautiful house. Even after having all these happiness, Mr. Jospeh missed his beloved wife Mrs. Gracy Jospeh immensely. His college sweetheart and then wife tragically passed away due to an accident when their son was just two. Since then, he took care of his son. Looking at the photo of his late wife he thought to himself if he had passed away instead of his wife so that she could enjoy her life with this beautiful family. Even Kevin missed his mother very badly with a desire of his mother to be around his son, watching his cute plays, sweet talks, naughty activities, his beautiful wife Lanie, her goodness ad caring nature and above all he strongly desired to be his mother around him, cuddling him, showering her love upon him. Lanie and Sunny too missed her. But all of them consoled themselves with a belief that wherever Mrs. Joseph was she watched them over in the heaven. She is also happy.

Mr. Jospeh's morning began with his prayers offered to the Almighty and then looking at the photo of his late wife he would speak to her about his life without her, his fond memories he had with his wife in the college, job, marriage, times spent with their son Kevin, until her death and aftermath. After keeping her photo back in the place, Mr. Joseph used to have walk around their house. Early in the morning where there was silence everywhere except for the sweet sound of chirping of the birds. Around his house were many trees, birds building nest upon them, a garden filled with colorful flowers-roses, jasmine, dahlia, marigold and what not. Gentle breeze passing by made the day. Rising of the sun indicating a new day, new hopes, rising from despair just like the sun. Then he walked towards their pond. Watching the sight of the beautiful ducklings and their kids gave him a sight of delight. Lanie came out of the house and called Joseph for breakfast. All the family members had a great time with each other. It was Sunny's last day of his examination after which he was going to have summer vacations the next day. Sunny greeted everyone and left for school. Everyone wished him good for the exam and Kevin dropped him to school. Throughout the day, Mr. Joseph spent his time by meeting his friends while Lanie was busy in their household chores. He would visit the church and had a beautiful divine time. Then he roamed in the garden with his friends. In the garden they used to laugh and talk, share their fond memories of college and sometimes even lighten their hearts with each other by sharing their grief. Their bond was just like any other inseparable friends. Mr. Jospeh came back home at evening.