Take a moment to remember the last time your mum, dad, brother, sister or friend told you how much they care for you. When people tell you they love you, you feel happy and special, don’t you?

Now imagine all the joy and happiness we would feel if our Guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said ‘I LOVE YOU’ to us! We would be on top of the world!

In the summer of 1996, all the Bal- Balikas and Kishore-Kishoris from across North America spent their entire summer preparing for the adhiveshan that would take place at the family shibir that summer. Since Swami Bapa was going to be there, everyone was very excited and put in a lot of hard work and effort in learning Swamini Vato, shloks, Vachanamrut quotations, kirtans and speeches. Many gave up all their summer activities and time with their friends to prepare for the adhiveshan and please Swami Bapa.

On July 28, everyone arrived at Catskills Mountains, New York, to take part in the adhiveshan. Various competitions were held over the next few days. All the boys and girls did their very best and in return gained the praise, respect and admiration from everyone who attended.

On the morning of 2 August all the kids gathered in the assembly hall, eagerly waiting for Swami Bapa to come and grace the assembly. The whole hall cheered with delight as Bapa walked in! He went on to congratulate everyone for their hard work and achievements during the week. Then, in broken English, Bapa said, “I love you all”.

Bapa had taken time to learn to say ‘I love you all’ in English so that every one in the audience would experience and feel His love.

Swami Bapa always takes time and makes us feel special in many ways. Wouldn’t it be nice if we, too, try and do something special for Swami Bapa?