A Kindness That Brought Blessings to a Palm Sap Seller

Medan Tembung, Medan City – (03/17/25) The sun was beginning to set when Jestham crossed paths with an elderly man still cycling around to sell palm sap. His untouched stock contrasted sharply with his sweat-drenched, weary face. The gloomy weather had kept customers away, even though he had been peddling since 8 a.m. with little success. Moved by his perseverance, Jestham approached him, her heart touched by the old man’s determination in his twilight years.

In their warm conversation, the man shared his longing for his six children, all married and living far away. "I don’t know if they’ll come home for Eid this year," he murmured softly. Jestham sensed the bittersweet ache of a father who could only hope amidst his children’s busy lives. His prayer was simple—that they be granted ease and health so they might return home.

The Hardworking Palm Sap Seller in His Twilight Years

Learning that the palm sap sold for Rp5,000 per packet, Jestham didn’t hesitate. She bought his entire remaining stock—two and a half liters—to share with those not fasting. "Sir, I’ve been blessed today and want to buy all of this for people breaking their fast. May I?" she said, slipping in extra money as an unexpected blessing for those who trust in God’s providence. The man stood speechless, eyes glistening, never expecting such kindness on this difficult day.

It turned out this was his first day back selling after a long hiatus due to relentless bad weather. At his age, the struggle felt heavier, yet his spirit never dimmed—he kept going to support himself and his wife without burdening his faraway children. Deep down, he clung to an unextinguished hope: that one day, his children might return.

Jestham, deeply moved, reminded him that every encounter and blessing was by divine will. "Our meeting today wasn’t by chance," she said. Nodding gratefully, the man admitted her help felt like an answer to his patience through hard times.

Before parting, Jestham urged him to prioritize health and faith. Behind his humble appearance lay profound devotion—he firmly believed worship was the source of all sustenance. With sincerity, Jestham prayed his children would one day return, melting the longing in a father’s faithful heart.

There are people like this palm sap seller who struggle without complaint. And then there’s Jestham, proving that sharing isn’t just about material aid—it’s about warming hearts. May every drop of his sweat be counted as worship, and may his prayers for his children be answered this Eid. Stay strong, Sir. May your smile remain as sweet and enduring as the palm sap you sell, forever carried in good prayers.