One Short Story A Day

October 1, 2024

Prompt: Who is one religious figure you would like to have dinner with? What do you talk to them about?

As I sat down to enjoy a delicious dinner at a fancy restaurant, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. Tonight, I was going to have dinner with one of the most revered religious figures in history - Mother Teresa.

Mother Teresa had always been a figure that I admired greatly. Her selfless dedication to helping the poor and needy had always inspired me, and I had always longed to have the opportunity to sit down and talk to her about her experiences and beliefs.

As I waited for Mother Teresa to arrive, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the thought of meeting such a renowned figure. And when she finally arrived, dressed in her signature blue and white sari, I was immediately struck by her warmth and humility.

We exchanged pleasantries as we sat down at the table, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness as I tried to think of something meaningful to say. But Mother Teresa, ever the gracious host, immediately put me at ease with her gentle smile.

"So, my dear, what would you like to talk about tonight?" Mother Teresa asked, her eyes twinkling with kindness.

I took a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. "Well, Mother Teresa, I have always admired your dedication to helping the poor and needy. I would love to hear more about your experiences and what inspired you to devote your life to serving others."

Mother Teresa's face lit up with a smile, and she began to speak passionately about her work with the Missionaries of Charity. She told me about the challenges she faced in caring for the sick and dying in the streets of Calcutta, and how her faith in God had sustained her through even the darkest of times.

As Mother Teresa spoke, I was struck by her unwavering faith and compassion. It was clear that her work was not just a job to her, but a calling that came from deep within her heart. I listened with rapt attention as she shared stories of the people she had helped and the lives she had touched.

But as the conversation continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt creeping in. Here was a woman who had dedicated her entire life to helping others, while I had spent so much of my own life focused on my own wants and needs. I felt a pang of shame at the stark contrast between Mother Teresa's selflessness and my own selfishness.

Mother Teresa must have sensed my inner turmoil, for she reached out and placed a gentle hand on mine. "My dear, do not feel guilty for living your own life. Each of us has our own path to follow, and God calls us in different ways. What matters is that we do our best to serve others with love and compassion, no matter where we are."

Her words struck a chord deep within me, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I realized that while I may not be able to devote my life to serving others as Mother Teresa had done, I could still make a difference in my own small way by showing kindness and compassion to those around me.

As the evening drew to a close, I thanked Mother Teresa for her wisdom and inspiration. I left the restaurant feeling humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have met such a remarkable woman.

And as I walked home under the twinkling stars, I knew that I would always carry Mother Teresa's words in my heart - a reminder to always strive to serve others with love and compassion, no matter where life may lead me.