"Lord Ganesha"

Sai Ram dear ALL
Its been a little while since I have written anything here. The shock of Swami’s passing was not an easy event to get over, as I’m sure you will all agree with. But still, HE is ALWAYS with us no matter what.
I have a short story I would like to offer, its about Lord Ganesha.
Now I certainly do know all about Him, and not only from what Swami has told us but also from the books I have read. Though I will admit I do not know what day Lord Ganesha’s birthday falls on or what month. But from an event which did occur not long ago, I will now always remember and never forget.

On the 1st September, (Lord Ganesha’s Birthday) I discovered ... which also fell on a Thursday, I drove my daughter to the shopping centre where she needed to get a few things. I told her to take her time as I will wait for her in the car. Now I had no intentions at all to enter the shopping centre, as I was listening to a talk back radio show and felt very comfortable in just sitting there waiting. But this was not to be. After some 10 or maybe 15 minutes had passed, I was compelled to get out of the car and enter the shopping centre for some unknown reason. I really didn’t want to though, but this urge seem to grow stronger within me, so I obliged it by getting out of my car and entering the centre.

As soon as I entered I looked to my left and saw a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha sitting on the shelf in a store. It would have to be at least 18 inches in height which was perfect for where I would sit him. My attention was so attracted to it I had to buy it. I handed over the money which was $29 Australian, then proceeded to walk away. Just as I was about to exit the shopping centre my daughter catches up to me and asks, what have you got there dad.
I began telling her this is Lord Ganesha, he removes obstacles and helps by bringing good fortune to those who deserve it. I had an urge to buy it I told her. Little did I know what was about to happen next. As soon as I told all this to my daughter we both walked out the front door. Blocking my path was a shopping trolley, as soon as I moved this trolley from my path I found a $20 note sitting on the ground in plain sight. Surely others would have seen this, it could not be missed, and yet many people were coming and going but still no one saw this $20.

Then my daughter says to me: your right dad, that was a gift from Lord Ganesha, no one else could see it only you. It was meant for you alone. So, the cost of the idol of Ganesha was only $9. It now sits on a high seat in my home where all can see as they enter.

Also, did you notice the numbers in the story. September is the 9th month. Finding $20 which cost me $9 only for the idol. 18 inches in height which again shows 1 + 8 = 9. And the sacred day of Swami’s which is (Thursday). A wonderful leela don’t you think.

OMSAIRAM