In a small family, devotion to Thakorji (God) was the center of their lives. The family had only three members – husband, wife, and their young son. The couple was very religious, worshipping God every morning and evening without fail.
One day, both husband and wife had to leave for important work, and they entrusted their little son with the responsibility of serving food to the Lord at noon.
When the time came, the boy carefully placed the meal prepared by his mother before the idol and requested God to eat. The idol remained silent. With folded hands, the boy prayed again and again, “God, why aren’t you eating? Did I make a mistake? Please accept this food. Maybe you don’t like cold food. I also eat cold food sometimes…”
But the idol didn’t respond. Finally, the boy became firm and said, “If you don’t eat, then I’ll have to feed you with this washcloth. My parents will be upset if you don’t eat.”
He then closed his eyes and continued speaking with love and innocence, “Eat slowly, drink water in between. Mom cooks spicy food, maybe you won’t like it, so drink water with it…”
When he opened his eyes, the plate was empty. Filled with joy, the child said, “If you had eaten with love at first, I wouldn’t have needed to force you.”
Lesson from the Story
Devotion without emotion is mechanical and lifeless. True worship is not about rituals or actions alone but about love, sincerity, and connection with God. Even a small act, if filled with genuine devotion, is greater than a lifetime of ritualistic worship without feeling.
( Also read : Socrates Mirror Story – Beauty, Humility & Good Deeds )