AS THEY SAY, TO ERR IS HUMAN, TO FORGIVE DIVINE

Years ago, a young teacher went out with a group of 11-12 year olds on a hike in the hills. He gave the required safety instructions to the children. The excited children heard some and some fell on deaf years. The super energetic pranced and danced ahead. The little lazy dragged their feet. The inquisitive ones looked at the leaves, insects, flowers, spiderwebs and any thing else that held their attention. At the destination, they had their packed food; still hungry ones began looking for the wild berries and flowers to satiate their hunger and run to the hill stream to quench their thirst. It was a day filled with joy. Unfortunately, an over enthusiastic member missed a step and fell down into the valley to his death.

This was the least expected end to a day with much happiness. The body was brought back to the school. The teacher knew not only his career but his very life was at stake. The teacher could not even pray”why me?”

The child’s parents entered, and the whispering group of people around the body went hush. The teacher’s throat was parched and lips sealed as he gathered courage to seek pardon. But he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, and a soft voice said, “This is my fate; I hold no grudge against you.” The father lifted the teacher to embrace him before turning to see the face of his son. The truth in the powerful words came to life: “To err is human, to forgive divine”.