Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Growing up in a household where money was tight, we didn’t indulge in the luxury of frequent shopping trips. New clothes were a rare treat, reserved for special occasions like Eid, and even school uniforms were bought sparingly, often just once a year. Despite these challenges, my parents ensured we never felt deprived. They provided for us with whatever means they had, sacrificing their own needs to give us the best they could afford.
As I grew older and started earning, life gradually began to change for the better. Our financial situation improved, and I could afford things that once seemed out of reach. It was then that I made a conscious decision: whenever I bought something for myself, I would also buy something for my parents. It wasn’t just about giving them material gifts—it was about acknowledging the countless sacrifices they made during the years when they had so little to give.
Our parents’ love is a powerful force, often going unnoticed or taken for granted. When a child is born, they are incredibly fragile. A newborn’s skull is so soft that even a gentle touch can leave a lasting impression. Yet, despite this fragility, a mother cares for her child with such tenderness and devotion that no harm comes to them. This love, this unwavering commitment, is something we often overlook as we grow older. We forget the sleepless nights, the countless worries, and the endless sacrifices our parents endured to raise us.
When we reach adulthood, it’s easy to become critical of our parents, questioning their decisions and wondering why they don’t always meet our expectations. But the truth is, they don’t need to be perfect or meet any arbitrary standards. The mere fact that they are our parents is enough. They gave us life, nurtured us, and guided us through our formative years. For that alone, they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.
One of my teachers played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Whenever I visited him, I made sure to bring a small gift, though he would always tell me it wasn’t necessary. In my heart, I knew that no gift could ever repay the knowledge, wisdom, and values he imparted to me. This is the essence of valuing someone—not by the material things we offer, but by recognizing the immeasurable impact they have had on our lives. If we fail to appreciate the depth of what we’ve been given, we lose sight of the true meaning of gratitude.
Life is filled with people who refine us, guiding us from ignorance to understanding, from raw potential to realized purpose. We owe it to them to show our appreciation, not through grand gestures, but through genuine respect and recognition. The true value of a gift lies not in its price, but in the sincerity and love with which it is given.
A story from Islamic tradition beautifully illustrates this principle. Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, once asked his followers to give in the name of Allah. The wealthy responded with generous donations of money and valuable possessions. Then, a poor woman approached with only a single coin, which she offered with a humble heart. Prophet Isa asked Allah what pleased Him most, and the response was that the woman’s single coin was the most valuable offering. Though it was the smallest in material terms, it was given with all her heart, making it priceless in the eyes of Allah.
In our own lives, we often receive blessings that we did nothing to earn. These are gifts that we must be grateful for, not just in words, but in the way we live our lives. True gratitude is expressed through respect, love, and the recognition of those who have made a difference in our journey.
The lesson here is profound: it’s not about how much we give, but how deeply we care. The respect and love we show to our parents, teachers, and mentors are the real measures of gratitude. It’s about acknowledging their efforts, honoring their sacrifices, and ensuring that their love and guidance were not in vain. This is the true essence of gratitude—an appreciation that goes beyond material wealth and is rooted in the heart.
In the end, life’s greatest lessons come not from what we receive, but from how we respond to those who have shaped our lives. Let us live with a heart full of gratitude, not just for the blessings we enjoy, but for the people who have made those blessings possible.
(The author is a columnist, motivational speaker. He is presently working as Sr. EDP Head at SKIE Classes Khanyar/Soura branch and can be reached at [email protected])
