The short story “A Letter to God” by Gregorio López y Fuentes is a touching tale that explores themes of faith, hope, and human resilience. The protagonist, Lencho, is a poor farmer whose life revolves around his crops. For Lencho, a successful harvest means survival for his family, while a poor yield means starvation. One of the most significant moments in the story is when Lencho’s happiness turns into deep concern. This shift in his emotions is a powerful reflection of how uncertain and fragile life can be, especially for those who depend on nature for their livelihood.
But why did Lencho’s happiness change into deep concern? Let’s explore the reasons behind this emotional transformation and what it reveals about Lencho’s character and circumstances.
1. The Joy of Receiving Much-Needed Rain
Lencho’s initial happiness came from the arrival of rain. As a farmer, he knew that timely rain was crucial for the growth of his crops, especially corn and beans. After months of hard work, he looked forward to a bountiful harvest that would sustain his family and provide financial security.
When the rain began, Lencho was overjoyed. He even compared the raindrops to “new coins”, believing that the rain would soon translate into a profitable harvest. The large raindrops were like ten-cent coins, and the small ones resembled five-cent coins. This comparison shows how Lencho equated the rain with wealth and prosperity. He believed that his hard work was about to pay off, and his family would enjoy the fruits of his labor.
2. The Sudden Turn of Events: Rain Turns into Hail
However, Lencho’s happiness was short-lived. The rainstorm that initially brought him joy quickly turned into a destructive hailstorm. What started as a blessing from nature became a disaster. The hailstones, which Lencho initially welcomed, flattened the crops, leaving nothing behind.
This sudden change in the weather shattered Lencho’s hopes. The hailstorm destroyed everything—the corn, beans, and all the hard work he had put into his fields. For Lencho, this was not just a loss of crops; it was a loss of livelihood, food, and financial security. The same rain that he believed would bring prosperity had now brought ruin.
3. The Shift from Happiness to Deep Concern
Lencho’s happiness turned into deep concern because the hailstorm left him with nothing. His family faced starvation, and he had no means to replant his crops. The fields were completely destroyed, and Lencho knew that without a harvest, there would be no food to eat and no money to survive.
His concern was not just for himself but for his entire family. As the head of the household, Lencho felt responsible for providing for his loved ones. The fear of hunger and uncertainty about the future weighed heavily on him. His deep concern stemmed from the realization that his family’s survival was now at risk.
4. The Role of Nature in Lencho’s Life
Lencho’s emotional journey highlights the uncertainty of a farmer’s life. For farmers like Lencho, nature is both a friend and a foe. While rain is essential for crops, too much or too little can lead to disaster. Lencho’s happiness at the arrival of rain reflected his hope that nature would be kind and rewarding. However, the hailstorm’s destruction reminded him of nature’s unpredictability.
This dependence on nature is what makes Lencho’s transformation from happiness to concern so relatable. His entire future rested on forces beyond his control, and when those forces turned against him, worry and fear naturally followed.
5. Lencho’s Deep Concern Leads to Faith in God
Despite his deep concern, Lencho did not lose hope. His unshakable faith in God became his source of strength. Lencho believed that God would not let his family starve. This belief gave him the courage to write a letter to God, asking for one hundred pesos—the amount he believed would help him replant his fields and survive until the next harvest.
Lencho’s decision to write to God shows that while his happiness had turned into concern, his faith remained intact. His concern for his family’s survival drove him to seek divine help, believing that God would answer his plea.
6. The Broader Message of Lencho’s Emotional Shift
Lencho’s transition from happiness to deep concern reflects the harsh realities faced by people who depend on nature for survival. It highlights how quickly fortunes can change and how resilience and faith can help people overcome adversity.
The story also emphasizes the power of hope. Even when everything seemed lost, Lencho’s belief that help would come gave him the strength to keep going. His journey reminds readers that while life is unpredictable, hope and faith can provide the courage needed to face even the darkest times.
Conclusion
Lencho’s happiness changed into deep concern because the rain he had hoped for turned into a destructive hailstorm, wiping out his entire crop. His joy at the prospect of a good harvest quickly turned into fear and worry for his family’s survival. However, despite the devastation, Lencho’s faith in God remained unbroken, leading him to write a letter to God asking for help.
This emotional shift from happiness to concern highlights the uncertainty of life, especially for those who depend on nature’s mercy. Lencho’s story teaches us about the power of resilience, hope, and faith—qualities that can help us overcome even the greatest challenges.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
