The key to life

The Light Within

His name was Arman. He wasn’t anyone special. Just a street sweeper in a small town who stood at the corner of a park every morning, sweeping leaves that had fallen overnight.

Each day, Arman arrived even before the sun. He brought his broom, a wide-brimmed hat, and a bottle of water filled at home. People walked past without noticing him. School kids, office workers, even street vendors—all were busy with their own lives. No one truly acknowledged his presence.

But there was something different about Arman. He always smiled. In his simplicity, he seemed peaceful. He never complained. Never showed anger.

One morning, a college student named Rio was sitting on a bench in the park, quietly observing Arman from afar. He had come to the park because he was on the verge of giving up. His thesis wasn’t going anywhere, his scholarship was at risk, and his family back home had no idea he was nearly breaking down.

Watching Arman sweep while softly whistling, Rio wondered, “What keeps that man going every day, even when his life seems so hard?”

Curiosity got the better of him. Rio approached.

“Sir, may I talk to you for a moment?” Rio asked.

Arman stopped sweeping. He turned and smiled. “Of course, son. Sit down, don’t be shy.”

Rio sat on the park bench while Arman sat beside him. Arman’s face was full of wrinkles, but his eyes were clear and calm.

“Do you work every day, sir? Don’t you ever get tired?” Rio asked.

Arman chuckled softly. “Of course I get tired, son. It’s work after all. But being tired doesn’t stop me from being grateful.”

Rio fell silent. Such a simple sentence hit hard. He, who had access to the internet, enough food, and higher education, felt smaller than this humble man.

“You seem so full of energy. How do you do it, sir? What’s your life like?” Rio asked again.

Arman took a deep breath. “I don’t have much, son. I have one child. My wife passed away. I raised my kid while doing this job. I was even seriously ill once—almost couldn’t walk. But I thought, if I gave up, who would take care of my son? If I complained, would that make life any easier?”

Rio lowered his head. His eyes began to water.

“Strength doesn’t come from having a lot, son. It comes from being thankful for the little things. I’m just a street sweeper, but I’m happy because I still get to work honestly. I still get to see the morning sun, smell the wet grass.”

That line felt like a spark of light breaking through Rio’s dark thoughts.

That day, Rio went home with a different feeling. He rewrote his thesis, reapplied for his scholarship, and slowly began to rebuild his life. Every morning, he returned to the park—not to sulk, but to greet Arman and learn from his strength.

A few months later, Rio graduated. He stood proudly on the stage in his graduation gown, smiling wide. In the guest seats sat an old man in a wide hat and simple clothes—Arman, the street sweeper who had become his life teacher.

After graduation, Rio wrote an article in the university paper titled “The Light Within.” It went viral. He told the story of Arman and how a street sweeper had rekindled hope in someone who was ready to give up.

Arman’s story spread quickly. Many people came to the park just to meet him. Some brought food, others simply said thank you.

But Arman remained the same. Still sweeping with that same smile, same broom, and unwavering spirit.

Because he believed, “If life was only about status and position, then ordinary people would never matter. But if life is about the light within, then everyone has the chance to shine.”