Think Before You Speak

• He exclaimed, "Dad, look! The train is moving, and everything outside is rushing backward!"
• "Is something wrong with your son? Why is he behaving so oddly?" Another added with a chuckle, "He seems a bit crazy."
• Bhavi Shah

I t was a bright, pleasant day. At the bustling railway station, a large crowd waited eagerly for the train to arrive. Among the passengers was a lively group of friends setting off on a vacation. Soon, the arrival announcement echoed across the platform, and everyone gathered their luggage to board.
The group of young friends cheered loudly as the train pulled in, rushing aboard to claim their reserved seats.
Before long, the carriages filled up, and the train blew its whistle to depart. Just in the nick of time, a fifteen-year-old boy and his father came running and hopped on board. Their seats happened to be right beside the boisterous group of friends.
As the train picked up speed, the boy gazed out the window with wide, wonder-struck eyes. He exclaimed, "Dad, look! The train is moving, and everything outside is rushing backward!" His father simply smiled and nodded gently.
A moment later, as the train traveled faster, the boy called out again, "Dad! The trees are so green, and they're racing past us so quickly!" His father patted him warmly and said, "Yes, dear," smiling at his delight. The boy continued to take in the view with pure, childlike excitement, his face glowing with wonder.
A vendor passed down the aisle selling fresh fruit. The boy looked at his father and said, "Dad, I'd love an apple." His father bought one for him. Holding it up, the boy marveled, "Oh! The apple looks even sweeter than it tastes. I love this shade of red!"
Watching all of this, the group of friends began whispering among themselves. Finally, one turned to the father and asked, "Is something wrong with your son? Why is he behaving so oddly?" Another added with a chuckle, "He seems a bit crazy."
The father looked at them calmly and replied with patience, "My son was born blind. Just a few days ago, he had an operation that restored his sight. He is seeing the world for the very first time."
A sudden hush fell over the group. Ashamed of their thoughtless remarks, the friends quietly apologized to the father and his son.
Moral
Your words can plant a seed of love or hurt in someone's heart. Think before you speak.