大象传媒

Abdul-Rehman Malik, journalist and broadcaster

Chris, I don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 just me, but I always find January hard going. New Year鈥檚 resolutions abound and I envy those who are able race back into the gym, jump headlong into a 7-day detox juice cleanse and schedule some time to reboot.

On the other hand, I鈥檓 still trying to clear the backlog e-mails that should have been answered in December. Perhaps I need to search out some supernatural intervention like the 鈥淟ucky Man鈥� in James鈥檚 new show.聽

As my son and I stepped out to do the groceries the other night, the chilly evening gust reminded me of another January night 25 years ago.聽

I was 15 years old and it was an astonishingly cold Canadian evening just after New Year鈥檚. Having grown up in Canada, Matthew would know exactly the kind of night I mean.聽 My family were huddled around the fireplace when the doorbell rang.

The man standing at the door was probably my height, but much older. Gray hair peaked out from underneath a threadbare, snow-covered cap. His coat was at least a few seasons past it鈥檚 best before date and he wore running shoes when the icy footpath called for boots.聽聽聽

He was selling coupons for a local garage. An oil, transmission and engine check for $20. Judging by the wad of coupon books in his shivering hands, it didn鈥檛 look like he鈥檇 sold very many.

My first instinct was to buy one. I even had a $20 bill in my pocket. I should have at least invited him in for a cup of tea. Instead, perhaps annoyed at having my warmth disturbed, I said a firm 鈥渘o thank you鈥� and closed the door. As I turned around, I felt immediate regret.聽

I quickly opened the door to call to him but he was gone. I even pulled on my jacket and ran out into the night. It was as if he鈥檇 vanished.聽

There鈥檚 no dramatic ending to this story, but it鈥檚 stayed with me all this time, because 25 years later I still wish I鈥檇 acted differently.聽

鈥淭his being human鈥�, counselled the mystic Rumi, 鈥渋s a guest house. A joy, a depression, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.鈥�

The possibilities for blessing are all around us. My resolution is to pay closer attention to when they pop up and try to capture them, whether it鈥檚 with smile, a hand up or a warm cup of tea. Juice cleanses, thankfully, are not required.