happy Father's Day!!

Happy father's day! On this very special day, I decided to publish my blog! (with a lot of loving encouragement from both my mom and dad!) So, we have double celebrations!

For a large part of my life, father's day revolved around making a card, buying a present, cooking dinner with my sisters, and baking a cake - all for my dad. But I've begun to realize that my dad isn't the only father I have. There is someone else, another personality, who has been my father for longer than I can remember. Someone who has been watching over me, protecting me, loving me unconditionally, guiding me through my darkest moments, tolerating my tedious complaints, and listening to my most heartfelt prayers.

Lord Krishna.

It's strange that I always used to separate "God" from "father" when Krishna is very much that- a father. Fathers always want what is best for their child. Krishna always gives us what he knows is best for us. Now this is something I've struggled to come to terms with and I'm sure other people feel this way as well. Sometimes, I receive the complete opposite of what I want or what I'm absolutely sure is best for me. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic plagued the beautiful seasons of spring and summer this year, I was devastated. I've heard several times over the course of my lifetime that everything happens for a reason. But what was the reason behind throwing the country into lockdown, cancelling an important school placement, Sadhu Sanga, TSI, and other exciting kirtan festivals? It didn't make sense!

Until today, on this auspicious day. If we weren't in lockdown, I never would've progressed in my spiritual life. I would've been too busy with school and work to even consider the fragile state of my relationship with Krishna. I don't deny that attending kirtan events would've allowed me to receive the association of many beautiful souls. But sometimes, I think it's important to slow down and reflect on our spirituality by ourselves. So, in this way, Krishna had mischievously planned for me to nourish my soul during this unprecedented time.

Srila Prabhupada once said,

"The difficulty is sometimes Krishna's ashirvad (blessing) may be just the opposite. Krishna will take away. So at that time, they become atheist." (Tokyo, April 25, 1972)

See, the thing is, we think we know what's best for us. But we will never know for sure what is best for us because we're not psychics! We don't know the future! We don't know what will happen to us three seconds from now, let alone five years in the future. But someone else knows. He knows what's best for us and what we deserve because he knows the past, present, and future. He knows everything we did in our past life and all the lives before that. And that someone is Lord Krishna. He is all knowing, all seeing, all powerful, and all merciful.

And luckily for us, He's also our original, eternal, ever loving father. So, whether He gives you hardships, or showers you with good fortune, just trust Him. Have faith in Him.

After all, Krishna knows you better than you know yourself.

Happy father's day to the father of the universe!

(picture credits: Anjali from offerings_to_govinda on instagram)