A LESSON IN CHARCOAL BASKET
An old man lived with his young
grandson on a beautifully landscaped farmhouse. From his childhood days, he
would see his grandpa regularly wake up at dawn for morning prayers and
regularly read his old worn out Holy Bible. The grandson admired his grandpa
and would always imitate this. One fine morning during breakfast, the child
asked him, “Grandpa, I try my best to read the Holy Bible, just like you, but I
fail to understand it. Not only that it so happens that I forgot what I read as
soon as I close the book. What then, is the use of reading it? Neither do I
understand it nor do I remember it!”
Grandfather thought for some time. He
then moved towards the stove and emptied the coal basket, saying, “My dear,
would you mind taking this basket to the river and return with a basket of
water.” “Sure, dada anything for you.” Saying this he ran off to the river.
Grandpa waited at the courtyard, waiting and watching for him. By the time his
grandson reached home, the water leaked off. The old man encouraged him saying,
“Don’t worry, you have to move a bit more faster. You can do it! Come on! Rush
now.”This time the child ran faster, as faster as his legs could take him; but
the result was the same with the tiredness and breathlessness increasing. After
trying repeatedly he told his grandpa, “Dada, it is impossible to bring water
in a basket; let me get it in a bucket.” “But dear, basket of water is what I
need; not a bucket of it. Try a bit harder. I know my boy can do it.”
By this though the boy knew it was
impossible yet did not want to hurt grandpa and tried to prove his mettle. He
tried harder; his heart saying it was impossible began to beat faster; yet he
tried to cover the voice of his heart by the swiftness of his legs. However
determination overcame tiredness, and as he sat near his grandpa with his wet
empty basket saying, “O grandpa! Its useless!”
“Do you really think it’s useless?
Look at the basket, my child!” He looked at the basket and was astonished. The
coal basket had been spotlessly clean as new! The wise grandpa now took his
grandson in his lap as he continued saying, “This is exactly what happens when
you regularly read the Holy Bible. You might not understand a word; there would
be days when you would not remember anything; yet when you regularly read the
Holy Book; it will change you inside out.
That is God’s work in our lives that changes us and slowly transforms us
into the image of His beloved Son.”
How wondrous is the deeds a Word of
God can do in your life! It always delights us; so it is never a matter of
boredom or feeling of waste of time. God’s Word can protect you from sinning;
also clean your present sinful human nature. Presenting you with a new and
fresh understanding about the love of God; it will reveal His awesome plans for
your life. The more you read His Word, you will discover the wonderful things
He has stored up for your life. How would you get to know a person thoroughly
unless you take an effort to meet or communicate with that person? So is it
with God! Many people know about God, but dear children, only few know God.
More than a religion ‘Christianity’ is about a relation with God. To meet up a
friend would you not take the effort to go and convene them personally?
Similarly if you desire to be God’s friend-you need to work on your friendship;
the bond will be stronger and tighter as per your effort in it. The time you
dedicate with Him will be greatly rewarded. So shall we make Lord Jesus, our
friend by reading a small portion of the Word of God daily? With your parent’s
permission allot some time during this summer vacation to read the Holy Bible
with your friends and yes, do share the Holy Book if any of friend requests you
for it.
May
the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you.
May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.
With love
filled blessings,
Your Sister in
Christ