A Tiger and the Fox

A fox who lived in a deep forest had lost its front legs - perhaps escaping from a trap.

A man who lived on the edge of the forest, seeing the fox from time to time, wondered how in the world it managed to get its food. 

One day, he saw the fox not far from him - crawling, dragging herself on her two legs. 

The man decided to watch her, but he had to hide quickly because a tiger was approaching. 

The tiger had a fresh game in its claws. Lying down on the ground, he ate all he could, leaving the rest for the fox. 

Again the next day, the great Provider of this world sent provisions to the fox by the same tiger. 

The man began to think: "If this fox is taken care of in this mysterious way, its food sent by the unseen Higher Power called Almighty God, why don't I just rest and have my daily meal provided for me too?"

He sat in a corner - praying and waiting for his food. 

But nothing happened.

Because he had a lot of faith, he let the day pass, praying and waiting for food.

Still, nothing happened.

But he did not lose his faith, hoping God will provide for him soon.

He just went on losing weight and strength until he was nearly a skeleton. 

One day, close to losing consciousness, he heard a voice which said:

"O you, who have mistaken the way - see now the Truth!

Instead of imitating the disabled fox, you should have followed the example of that tiger - who not only worked for his own food but provided to others too."

In the past, I used to pray, O' God - Please feed the hungry, cover the naked, and provide shelters to the homeless. 

Now I pray for guidance and strength to do what I can do to make any difference. I pray for the courage to do what I am supposed to do.

I used to think that Ardas and prayer will change things and circumstances, but now I know that prayers are supposed to change us - our thoughts - and we should try to change the things we can.

                                           ' Rajan Sachdeva '