God’s greatest gift

So, that was it. That was it! The moment I’ve been waiting for years. “Has it finished?”. I asked. The examiners seemed quite satisfied. “Yes. Congratulation”. I was so relieved. Hours in the viva seemed very long. The feeling that somebody scrutinized your work, paying attention to every word and detail, was really annoyed me. I felt that they could see through my mind. I felt naked in front of these two experts. But, it’s over now, I guessed.

The windy days and long nights in Cambridge have nearly come to an end. Life has never felt this good when you finish your job. Mission‘s accomplished. Wonderful. I felt in a bliss, as if I can taste that tiny little drop of the Kauthar, that heavenly Fountain of unbounded Grace of God. Alhamdulillah. Praise only be to God.

***

I came home. My daughter rushed and asked me “Have you passed the exam?”. I smiled. And she jumped and hugged me. “So, does it mean that we’re going to Indonesia now?” asked reluctantly, knowing that she must leave her happy days here. Soon, my dear, fairly soon.

My wife stood next to us. She congratulated me and said in her heavy Javanese tone: “Gusti Allah kok baik banget*”. Hearing to her words, I felt thunder electrifying my body. Tears were in our eyes. It’s true, I suppose, that God’s greatest gift to a man is his wife. Her faith and love of God are my constant inspirations, continue to shape and fulfill this journey.

*God is the Most Kind