Yearning, Surrender and Grace 

Kanaka was born into a low caste. He was an ardent devotee, yearning in unbearable anguish to see Krishna. So, he went to Udipi, where there is a famous Krishna Temple established by the great sage, Madhvacharya, himself of low birth. Kanaka could not enter the temple and see the charming idol of Krishna. He stood in front of the outer door, but the idol was hidden by a flag post in front of the shrine. He went around the outer wall and sought some crevice amidst the stones through which he could earn a faint glimpse. He saw a loose stone and, with his fingers, he scooped out the mortar and made a narrow chink.  When he looked eagerly through it, he saw only the back of the idol. But he was overcome with delight! He danced in ecstasy, singing the glory of Krishna. Just at that moment, the idol turned towards him and Krishna granted Kanaka the full vision of His charm and majesty. Yearning was rewarded with grace. Yearning leads to surrender, and surrender gives the highest joy. Leave everything to His will; accept whatever happens, whether pleasant or painful.

Adapted from: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. IX