Story of the day

                            A major war was in progress. A soldier informed her mother, "Mommy, my military service is over. I am planning to return home. When I come home, I wish to bring along with me, a close friend of mine who was wounded seriously during the war. He lost one eye, one hand and one leg and needs our support." The mother stated casually, without any interest or enthusiasm, "OK, dear son, you may bring him. Let him stay with us for a few days."                                               Her words clearly conveyed that she did not appreciate a prolonged stay of the disabled soldier in their family. Two days later, she received a message from the military that her son had committed suicide and that his body would be brought to her home.                              When the soldier's body arrived, she was surprised to see that her son lacked an eye, a hand and a leg. Now it was very clear to her that her son had asked about her attitude to the 'disabled friend' just to assess her attitude to her own handicapped son. She was overcome with remorse for not having welcomed him wholeheartedly. She realized that if she had shown more love, care and kindness in her words, she would not have lost her dear son. She cried in agony for rejecting her own son. Words are like swords. Harsh words may act as sharp swords and inflict irreparable wounds in the minds of those who hear them. Such words may cause despair, dejection and discouragement. Careful use of the tongue is a prerequisite for peaceful life. Care, concern, compassion and kindness are essential for promoting a healthy, happy, harmonious and heavenly life.