Gurpurab

Today, we drink Eternity..

He smiled into the eyes of his brother, two years younger.. noticing a hint of loving envy, he continued.. i think there'll be plenty for both of us.. and he let escape a soft consoling laughter, tapping the young shoulder..

The situation is grave.. he knew that.. he had been to the front.. a group of 100, sent to hold off a million.. the enemy was far flung.. sniffing out escape routes one at a time.. elements were not pleasant.. night had been cold and rainy.. fog made visibility impossible.. resources were almost finished.. the bags of bullets near empty.. quivers of arrows lost along the way.. the castle that wasn't really castle.. and only 40..

But he knows who he is.. enemy to be feared is never the one outside the walls, but one within.. it is not the escape routes he's concerned with, it is the entrapment of the worldly desires that make him cringe.. warmth of his Father's love, the clarity of mind, arrows of GurBaanee and a castle of Truth that Guru Naanak erected with immovable foundation.. 40 will be a perfect number for today.. he wishes and hopes that he is a part of that number..

Your colors look fantastic, his Father had said.. there was a proud smile on Papa's face.. he had looked down on his dress adorned with the colors of his own dedication and those of his fellow fighters who paid the ultimate price for their faith.. he could not see the original colors, for all that remained was a deep crimson.. he was left speechless.. his Father, all knowing.. didn't need to hear him say what he felt.. the son humbled by the acceptance of his Father bowed.. two powerful yet graceful hands took hold of his face.. lifted him.. proceeded to gently wipe the dust off the proud Dastaar.. that was all the reward he could have ever hoped for..

Will tomorrow bring glory? asked his younger brother.. there is never glory in war, brother.. death of friend or foe is never a matter of pride or joy.. is it just then? question of the young.. just is the decision of Vaheguru, says the elder.. then.. then we are to do as Father Guru says.. that is just.. that is just.. it will be a day.. where our will will be tested.. fear will try to penetrate these muddy walls.. worldly riches will tempt.. those who stay true to our Father will have a good day.. those who leave his side will suffer the weight of eternity.. i plan on having a good day, says the young gun.. i am sure our Father will see to it, smiles the elder..

Tomorrow is now passing.. he has been doing the tasks ordered by his Father.. efficiently.. not a thought in his head.. he knows.. when his Father decides.. that will be his turn.. i wants nothing.. i have all i need.. i have the Will of my Father.. and then the tap of the strongest hands in the world..

Grace stands before him.. it is time.. his Father unties his Dastaar.. gives it a good hard shake.. all of the dust of the world is removed.. Fresh.. Wholesome.. with his own hands.. gently firmly lovingly purposely.. Divine Father sends his own flesh to bleed for the world.. The Dastaar is tied.. there is no honor higher in the world.. The Guru's Dastaar.. on a Sikh's head.. there is NO higher honor..

This will be a good day..