Vo jo uski umr bhar ka haasil tha: Remember to be grateful

 

I came across an interesting piece of information that pertains to the tiny creature- the Honeybee. (see the photo below). It turns out that the little teaspoon of honey which a person consumes is in fact a sum total of so much hard work and encompasses the lifetime struggles and journeys of several honeybees...

How often have we taken a moment to reflect that the honey we consume so quickly (which is also called as the nectar of life, holding a myriad of scientific benefits for the human body) was not given so easily to us, but was someone's else's life's treasure (almost like mata-e-jaan) or almost umr bhar ka haasil...

Have we ever paused, and expressed gratitude at this spoonful of bounty which was coming from a majestic creature designed perfectly by God?

For some reason, I was reminded of the following poetry which is a part of a bigger poem. These particular lines somehow resonated deeply with me as I heard it from some speech of some pious scholar...However, for some reason the connection between the fact of honey and a bee's journey seemed to strike a chord in my heart as if the bee is not visible to speak for itself but is trying to tell the human to be grateful and mindful....

...Truly, we as humans are so caught up that we have forgotten to give thanks or express gratitude...

Here is the poetry:

"वो  जो  गीत  तुम  ने  सुना  नहीं 

 मेरी  उम्र  भर  का  रियाज़ था

 मेरे दर्द  की  थी दास्ताँ

 जिसे  तुम  हंसी  में  उड़ा  गए "

-Amjad Islam Amjad

I, for one do consume a tiny teaspoon of honey in morning and felt in awe and wonder after knowing I was consuming someone's else's such immense lifelong journey, without paying attention.

I now try to remember the bee and its struggles and thus remember the One who created it for his makhlooq (creation).

Let us be grateful for the tiny bounties of life...

Let us be grateful for all creatures, big and small....

Let us remember the Al-Shakur.....