A Rai Bahadur came to Shri Nathji’s house early in the morning and knocked at his door at Mussoorie. Shri Nathji came out and blessed him and asked: Rai Bahadur! What brings you here early in the morning in such cold weather?
The Rai Bahadur said: I have come to ask you for Prema-Bhakti–the love for God!
Shri Nathji said to him: Rai Bahadur, let me congratulate you–you have already acquired it!
The Rai Bahadur was surprised: Just like that? In one single moment?
Shri Nathji said: Rai Bahadur, suppose you have received an invitation card for a tea party that gives the date and the time when you are invited for tea. Now even if that date and time have not come, still you are certain that the tea party is assured–because of the invitation card!
In a like manner this intense craving that you have had for Prema-Bhakti, which has brought you here in the severe cold, is an invitation card from God! And because you have received the invitation card, Prema Bhakti has been given to you already.
Shri Nathji would often say: ‘It is impossible for a human being to develop a love for an Invisible God. It is in his nature to love only the things and persons that he can see. He loves his family, his near and dear ones, his friends, because he can see them and talk to them. But loving an Invisible God is very difficult–far less developing an intense desire for Him. It is only if God sends His Grace upon a person–like the invitation card–that man can grow to develop a love for God. Thus, Love, Devotion and Faith are all gifts granted by Him if He so wills.