★◆★ It Does Make a Difference ★◆★
Friends! Today, I want to share a story I once read.
The 'Crucial Decision' of a Soldier
It was during the First World War. During the battle, a soldier named 'Jim' was struck with terror when he saw his best friend fall on the battlefield. Jim was stationed safely in the trenches dug by his army at that time.
He asked his officer for permission... "Sir! Can I go to save my friend?"
The officer replied... "If you really want to go, you can. But I don't think it is appropriate for you to go there. Your friend has probably breathed his last by now, and in this risky situation, you will also lose your life."
Jim ignored his words and, without any armor, miraculously reached his friend. Amidst the hail of bullets, he somehow managed to carry his friend to a safe place, although he was slightly wounded himself.
When he reached his army unit, his officer examined his friend and said... "I told you, Jim! This will not yield any benefit. It makes no difference. Look, your friend is dead."
Jim said softly... "I know, Sir, but still, it has made a difference!"
The officer asked in surprise... "What do you mean? It made a difference? When your friend is no more, what kind of difference?"
Hearing this, the officer was stunned.
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Friends! Sometimes in life, such moments arise when we have to make crucial decisions that may hold no value in the eyes of others. But for us, those decisions are extremely significant. Decisions that appear visibly futile, yet if we do not take them, a lifelong regret and a burden remain on the heart.
Look at Jim's situation. If he had listened to his officer and stayed back that day, what would have happened? Whenever he remembered that time, a pang would have risen in his heart—'I wish I had gone and checked once; what if he were alive, maybe I could have saved him.' Jim might never have slept in peace, and a sense of guilt would have haunted him forever, But not anymore..
He did not let that significant moment slip away. He understood what he would lose by not going. The inner satisfaction he ultimately attained is a mystery that only those who have experienced it can understand. Such rare moments in life, which never return, are very valuable and have a profound impact. The decisions made in those moments have the deepest effect on our inner self. Therefore, determining how important our decision is remains, ultimately, our own responsibility.
Material Gain vs. Inner Satisfaction: Life's 'Actual Salary'
In my view, the decision to do a task should not be based solely on material gain; sometimes, some things should be done purely for inner satisfaction. Material gains are visible, but they have an expiration date. Whereas inner gains—like the development of compassion in the heart or any virtue—are assets that remain within you for as long as you wish to cherish them.
Friends! Good deeds never go to waste, because even if they don't show any outward results, they leave you with the priceless gift of 'inner satisfaction.' Like in the story, Jim attained this satisfaction even though he couldn't save his friend; he was consoled that he at least reached him while he was alive.
I believe that the praise or other material gains accompanying good deeds should always be considered a 'bonus,' not a 'salary.' In reality, the 'salary' is the satisfaction and confidence you gain from doing that work—an asset that no one can take away from you and which never perishes. But unfortunately, today, people have started considering 'salary' as 'bonus' and 'bonus' as 'salary.' The result is that everyone begins calculating profit and loss before doing a good deed. In this way, countless noble acts are left undone because it is not always possible to ensure a material gain behind every good deed.
Yes, it is true that in the absence of material gain, external motivation decreases, and sometimes the work may feel burdensome or futile, but that does not diminish the importance of a good deed. To overcome this fatigue or lack of motivation, the most important thing is to never regret the good work you have done.
Just as Jim did not regret that his effort went in vain or that he himself got wounded; even when his officer said that 'he worked in vain,' Jim maintained pride in his work and proudly said— "It has made a difference, Sir!"
Learn to Value Your Own Goodness
In reality, always view good deeds from the perspective of being a 'good deed.' It is not necessary to weigh every task on the scales of profit. First, trust in your own goodness and always respect goodness, whether it is in you or in someone else.
Protecting your goodness is also very necessary. Be mindful that your goodness does not become a tool for someone else's evil. But if, unknowingly, your goodness benefits a bad person, people will tell you that 'you are being used.' Be cautious in such cases, but do not regret the good deed you have done. Tell yourself— "I did a good deed, but that person was unworthy." Feel pity for the person who is so impoverished in goodness that, like a snake, they will turn even honey into poison. Never be ashamed of your goodness; you haven't done anything wrong. Let go of the regret; goodness is not meant to be regretted. If someone does not appreciate it, it is a weakness of their character, not yours. You should simply feel the inner peace and strength gained from that act.
Yes, I know many people will not agree with the 'actual salary' I have described, but most of those who disagree will be the ones who have always lost their 'actual salary' in the process of calculating the profit and loss of the 'bonus.' They have never felt that inner satisfaction. For someone who has never tasted 'kheer' (pudding), it will always seem 'crooked' (imperfect). But if your mind and heart have tasted the sweetness of goodness, do not let it be taken away from you. Be good, connect with good people, and take pride in your goodness—goodness deserves this.
[Click here to read this article in हिंदी.]
Anyway, I am convinced that steps taken with noble intentions do make a difference, friends! And this difference is what matters the most.
That's all for today, thank you... 🙏💕
"Have a blessed day..." 🙏🌷
✍️ From the pen of 'Nishabd'.... 💕
🖌️ Images created with the assistance of Gemini & Nano Banana...🌷
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Next Recommendation: "The Yin-Yang of Life." Truth often lies hidden within that balance between black and white—a balance we frequently overlook. In this article, I have attempted to weave this very philosophy of life into words. (The article is available in both Hindi and English.)
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