Many of you will remember the recent crash of Air India planes. For some, it was just another news article. Another tragedy in a world already filled with them. But for me it felt like a wake-up call. A soul-swaying reminder. The speed at which it all changes can change without warning, for no reason. Here are four stories that I was with. Four lives. Four lessons. And they changed how I see it with my purpose and Grace.
Sometimes…it won’t come someday.
At first it was family. They had been planning for years to move to the UK. But life continues to get in the way – responsiveness, delay, uncertainty. Finally, they made it. They boarded that flight. However, they did not reach their destination. And how many of us did you think was waiting? Are you waiting for the right time, the perfect moment, the right mood, the right season? They say, “I’ll start one day,” “I’ll change one day,” but sometimes… I won’t come one day.
Sometimes God’s “no” is actually a disguised mercy.
The second story shook me differently. It was a woman who was meant to ride that flight. However, she arrived late. I missed check-in. She even cried out, even yelling. She was mad. Frustration. defeat. However, she did not realize that her delay was God’s protection. She lived because she was late. And, “How many times did I get mad when God said ‘No’? “Have you ever seen only a closed door without realizing that they kept me alive?” Sometimes, God’s “no” is actually a disguised mercy.
If you are still breathing, God has not yet been with you.
The third story was about a surviving man. The plane is divided into two parts. One part was on fire and he was in the other. He left. It’s absentminded, but alive. That’s not luck. That’s the purpose, Providence. It wasn’t his time. And I remembered the poem: “There is all time, and there is a season of all the activities under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) If we are still here, if you are still breathing, God has not yet been with you.
And then the fourth story. The one who didn’t make it. People like us. I have dreams with my family. They said goodbye that morning, but kissed them without realizing it was the last time. And that’s what I noticed…we’re not promised tomorrow. It hasn’t been promised tonight either. So, what are we doing today?
What are you doing today?
My dear friend, don’t wait to love. Don’t wait for me to say sorry. Don’t wait for forgiveness. Don’t wait to live, test and live the life God has created you. Because this is everything we really have – this is what we have. And it is sacred. As the Psalmist says, “Tell us what we may count our days and acquire the heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
And Paul reminds us: “Now is the time of God’s grace; now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) So I say this to myself (and perhaps for you too): I live now. I love it now. Please forgive me now. speak now. Sometimes… because “next time” never comes.
Anupama Silas (ANU) is the founder and executive director of Vanitashray, a registered nonprofit organization in Pune, India, and is currently a South Asian facilitator without Orphans. Since 1999, ANU has been passionately serving orphans and vulnerable children. Under her leadership, community education and feeding programs have been developed, and programs that promote family preservation and women’s empowerment.
Anu has a Masters in Social Work and a Graduate School of Human Rights degree. ANU previously served as executive director of Maharashtra for all Indian human rights, freedom and social justice, where he confronted Indian child prostitution and child marriage on behalf of the young girl who was neglected.
