Taking the Opportunity

Sometimes taking someone up on an offer to ride along with them to get some groceries can be the best thing that you do.

After a wonderful Festival of Inspiration 2009, I am now back in the comfort of my parent's home here in Ottawa. The past few days I've been talking with several friends about what were the highlights of this year's FOI. There were so many...in fact I think I will dedicate the next couple of posts to reflecting about many of them. But I found it funny that it wasn't until yesterday that I remember truly appreciating and reflecting about how one conversation with a good friend of mine really made this year's FOI very special for me.

It was the day of Nrsimha Caturdasi. Already the anticipation and excitement of a festival day was upon everyone in New Vrndavana. However, that being said, since most of the celebrations were taking place in the evening, I found myself meandering around the New Vrndavana grounds that afternoon. As I was chanting and wondering what I should do, I ran into my friend (and little brother) Jettu.

Immediately upon seeing me he asked, "Hey, do you want to come along with me to the grocery store? My mom wants me to buy some bhoga to offer to Nrsimhadeva." I asked how long it would probably take to go and come and Jettu said about an hour or so. I didn't even have to think, saying sure, we got into the car and off we were to the grocery store.

Jettu is one of the wonderful "younger devotees" in ISKCON Toronto. A kirtan enthusiast, quick witted and extremely funny individual, he is also one of my friends who I just never get a chance to spend a lot of time with. But here was an opportunity and I grabbed it.

There was never a dull moment in the car with us alternating between laughing and making fun to talking about serious and thought provoking realizations. It made me appreciate how special and unique every devotee is. Although in age Jettu may be younger than me, there is still so much that I can learn from him and so much to appreciate about him. Of course, I'll always take the opportunity to lecture him or make fun of him in a sisterly way, but its so nice to have someone like that.

Although I am an only child I have rarely ever felt it. I've always had plenty of younger/older brothers and sisters. Such is the gift that Srila Prabhupada has given all of us. It's up to us to take every opportunity we can to get to actually spend time with one another and get to know each other.

So thanks Jettu for asking me to come along for the grocery ride. I don't think I've ever had so much fun picking out fruit. :D