The little bird kept flying around, and returning to it’s nest. Each time, it brought a twig, or a cotton ball, or a leaf. Musa kept his eyes glued to the window, watching the bird build its nest. It was fascinating to see a little bird so focused, and determined to finish its work.
Musa was visiting his grandparents today. His mom and dad let him stay with them sometimes, and he loved it! Just then his grandma came by, and saw him staring out the window.
‘What you looking at, Musa?’, asked his grandmother as she came to stand beside him.
Musa pointed to the bird building its nest. His grandmother smiled and looked out the window with him. ‘That looks like a lot of work, don’t you think Grandma?’, thought Musa. ‘I’m glad I’m still a kid, and I don’t have so much stuff to do.’, he remarked.
‘Well, It does look like work, that’s for sure. And I’m happy you’re still a kid too. But when you do grow up, I think you’ll be good at doing all the grown up things just like your mom and dad’, she said.
‘Hmmm. I don’t know Grandma. Being a grown up sure seems like too much work. Although, I do like some of the things adults do – like driving cars or staying up past 8 o’clock -but I’m not sure if the rest of the things will be easy for me to do.’, exclaimed Musa.
‘You know, sweetie, I used to think the same thing when I was younger. But do you know what my teacher once told me? She explained this beautiful ayah for me :
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا (Al Baqarah 286)
It means that Allah does not burden a person, beyond what he or she can bear. What do you think she meant by that, Musa?’, questioned his Grandma.
‘Well, it sounds like a person will only be asked to do stuff, that is actually possible for him to do. Is that what your teacher meant?’, Musa asked.
‘That’s right honey! My teacher taught me that every person has the potential to do certain jobs, and Allah won’t ask of you beyond your ability. What do you think of that?’, she said.
Musa grinned. ‘I think that’s fair. And it’s good to know that everyone has different skills for different jobs. But I’m still glad I can still be a kid for now’, he answered.
His grandmother grinned. ‘I’m happy you’re still a kid too. Don’t grow up too fast’, she said, and gave him a big hug.
They both stood by the window, and continued to watch the bird for a few more minutes. After a while, Musa decided to test his skills, and help his grandmother with making dinner.
‘Hmm, perhaps I can be a chef when I’m older, what do you think Grandma?’, he asked.
His grandmother laughed. ‘I don’t see why not, sweetie. Your mixing skills are quite extraordinary.’, she replied.
Musa smiled and continued to mix the ingredients. Maybe being a grown up wasn’t so bad after all.