Day 27: Paying it forward

Guest blogger: Uzma IqbalUzma is an oncologist and lives in Houston. That's about all I know about her. She messaged me yesterday on the "30 days" facebook page to ask if she could contribute a dua.  I was honored that she was following the blog and felt inspired to share. Thank you Uzma for this beautiful reflection, so timely on Eid morning as generations gather and celebrate.  “Paying it forward” gains the best return on investment.This Ramadan has been specially blessed in many ways. As I look around the table in the morning, after we have just finished sehar, I see my mother, my father my two sons and my husband. I humbly and proudly feel the strength of the bond we share as a family.Though the fundamental structure of the family unit remains the same, the roles are reversed. As a kid I looked up to my parents to provide me with all I wanted and needed, at times without even asking. Now I see myself in the center of the loving crossroads of the two generations.My parents with time may have weakened in physical strength but have gained the strength of wisdom and patience. My children still young and energetic are like sponges ready to absorb all that comes their way. I see myself as the bridge that holds the two pillars together and gives strength to this architecture, a role once held by my parents.I am truly enriched by this unique responsibility. Transfer of wisdom and patience from one end and strength and protection from the other meet in the middle before they cross over to the other side. I often wonder who is benefitting the most and it is almost humbling to see that I come out as the true winner. The richness of the love of my parents for my children and the strength of the bond my children provide to my parents is priceless. This wealth is too precious to ignore, the return on investment is priceless.I pray that Allah gives me the strength to continue to be this passage between the two generations and show compassion and tolerance to my parents and leadership by example to my children. May God bless my family with the bounties of this world but more importantly may we reap the rewards in Jannat. I share this prayer with all humanity but most importantly with the Muslims around the world so we actively seek to be this bridge and continue to keep the infrastructure of our family system strong.Day 27, Dua 27: Keeping family strong