Accessories

Even though it has been almost a year since I returned, it is still difficult for me to have any kind of a meaningful conversation without mentioning the kids of Kolkata, India. I look forward to the time that I can better assist my friend Diganta in fulfilling his dream of providing an orphanage for them. I took over 2400 pictures in Kolkata and West Bengal which I have since distilled down to about an hour long narrated presentation. For those of you who have been part of one of those groups, one young man of perhaps six or seven years old may be seared in your mind like it is mine. I will never, never forget his smiling face and infectious personality.
I don’t know the complete history or circumstances that surround him, but I know they aren’t ideal. Like most other children that Diganta and his family work with, this young man lives on the streets of Kolkata. He had the most contagious toothy (minus one or two) grin I’ve ever seen. In fact, I use a picture of his grinning face pressed up against the window of our vehicle as the final picture of my talk.
My friend Diganta does his best to provide very basic assistance with an enormous amount of love to the kids on the streets. That consists of a simple meal, some basic education, a thorough scrubbing and tooth brushing (and lice picking), and a dress or pair of pants. The pants that were given to this young man didn’t fit tom say the least. It didn’t seem to bother him a bit. In fact, he had rigged up a rubber band type of belt to hold them up which just didn’t work. It seemed each time he reached out to grab my hand his pants would fall off. He just grinned more. It was absolutely infectious and I am not used to smiling that much.
I think about him often and, after reflecting on his grin, I always silently chuckle and think about his makeshift belt. Even though he wasn’t concerned, it played an unheralded role in providing for his protection and dignity. In spite of optimistically maintaining a variety of sizes of belts hidden away in my closet, none of mine could help him either.
My mind was off and running (again or perhaps still). How would the “accessories” hidden in the recesses of this world feel if they had feelings? I mean not just the belt, but the lug nut, the key ring, the makeup mirror, the notebook, the shoestring, the Windex, the salt shaker, the shoe polish, the nail file, and the list goes on and on. I am sure from their limited perspective there would be times that they would feel insignificant and even a useless bother.
I recently read with interest about a seminar in Philadelphia. It wasn’t about the usual leadership or some way to make more money. It was to teach “how to fulfill an important background role without drawing attention to yourself.” What a fascinating and much needed concept and I am sorry I have a schedule conflict and can’t attend. It reinforces a little known truth that the world can’t effectively function without the unheralded and often hidden “accessories.” If you were created to be a seemingly insignificant accessory, perform your calling well and with pride. You’re vital.