Lessons from a Pair of Eyes and Balloons: Gratitude in Simplicity

Medan Tembung, Medan City—(10/03/25) Despite our tendency to overlook gratitude in the midst of life's chaos, numerous humble tales serve as a poignant reminder of the immense value of each blessing from God. In a busy corner of the city, a middle-aged man slowly pedaled an old, rickety bicycle while guiding a row of colorful balloons. Jestham, who happened to pass by, was captivated by the sight. The man’s gentle expression and sincere smile immediately caught Jestham’s attention, sparking curiosity to greet him and hear his story.

The Balloon Peddler: A Family's Breadwinner

"How much is this one, sir?" Jestham asked, pointing to a penguin-shaped balloon. Patiently, the man explained the price of each balloon. "This one is Rp15,000, and that one is Rp20,000," he said, showing the various balloon shapes hanging from his bike. In their brief conversation, it was revealed that he had already managed to sell balloons worth Rp50,000 that day. "Alhamdulillah, this is already quite good," he said with a grateful expression.

However, not every day was as smooth. "Sometimes, I only earn Rp30,000 a day," the man admitted. With a cost of Rp13,000 per balloon sold for Rp15,000, his profit was minimal. Yet, for the sake of his four school-aged children—his eldest only in the 6th grade—he was willing to ride around all day. Meanwhile, his wife stayed home to care for their children.

Jestham was deeply moved by the man’s perseverance. Without hesitation, he decided to buy all the remaining balloons as a form of assistance. After counting, the total came to Rp260,000, but Jestham paid Rp1,200,000 with a message, "The rest is to repair your bike or buy clothes for your children." It turned out that the bicycle seat was broken, causing the man pain, but he couldn’t afford to fix it. "When it’s for my children, the pain doesn’t feel as bad," he said with teary eyes.

With shining eyes, the man then shared his hope: "My children must pray diligently and study hard so they can become successful people." Jestham nodded emotionally. As Ramadan was approaching, he added, "This money can also be used to buy clothes for your children, sir," remembering the man’s earlier complaint about struggling to meet holiday needs.

After the transaction, Jestham only took one penguin-shaped balloon. "The rest, you can sell again," he said. The man stared at the money Jestham had given him in awe. "Alhamdulillah... I’ve never held this much money before," he said with a broad smile, tightly hugging the remaining balloons.

How often do we complain about trivial things, while people like this balloon seller remain grateful despite their limitations? His patience and sincerity are living proof that happiness is not measured by material wealth but by a heart that is always thankful. Before parting, Jestham prayed that the man and his family would always be healthy and blessed with abundance. May his struggles today bear unexpected blessings.