Monday, February 21, 2011

I returned from Thailand on Sunday and after a wonderful visit with my son, daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren, I began thinking about memorable moments during the trip.
I took this photo in a remote Hmong hill tribe village. This woman was weaving on what seemed like an ancient implement. During the flight over I had read from Timothy Titcomb and he included the following quote -- "Get thy spindle and thy distaff ready, and God will send thee flax." After looking up "distaff" which is simply a staff where the flax, wool, cotton etc. is put on waiting to be spun; I began ruminating on the applications for the quote. My mind during this time of my life seems to run first to the Teen Challenge Center and the men there. This is a time in most of the men's life when they have no flax, in fact they have in many cases lost all: worldly goods, faith, hope and often even a bed to sleep on. But we serve a God of might and miracles and he bids us to prepare; get out the spindle and distaff, open the Bible, attend with anticipation the services and see if God will not bring thee flax! May I always be greedy to see God fill the distaffs with flax overflowing! Grown, hardened, abandoned, often hated and rejected men, brought to humility, to a place of brokenness where God's resources are brought to be woven into useful materials. Homes to be restored, restitution to be made, character to be built, and hope in God to abound.
I watched this woman's hands and feet busy at the spindle; may I do the same.

3 comments:

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Fred,

Let me greet you first.You were absent for a long time and I was wondering what happened to you. I was not sure whether you were sick or busy at work. I am relieved to hear that you had a fantastic holiday with your family. I am sure you are recharged and refreshed to do your onerous task at the center.

The photo is lovely and taken from real life is full of meaning and realism.I was wondering what this woman was doing until I read your explanation.Very antiquated equipment but the lady look well dressed,very sweet and very industrious. May God be praised and I hope HE will take care of her and her family.

Your comparison with the people at the center is understandable because you are fully involved with it. But as you said that people at the center are hopeless people who have come there as a last resort to rebuilt their lives centered around God. More than the lady in the photo they need more attention and careful handling and hence you have a tough task at hand.

I am glad you enjoyed yourself at Thailand. It appears to me that Thailand is a beautiful country abounding in nature and wonderful people.

Best wishes,
Joseph

Mel said...

Great picture, Fred! I bet it was the trip of a lifetime! I love the life lessons and spiritual illustrations you drew from the quote and your experiences in Thailand. I pray that the men you work with at Teen Challenge will be blessed when they read it, if they do.

God bless you dear Fred!

Warmly,
Mel :)

FCB said...

Hi Joseph,
Thanks for your greeting and I'm glad you enjoyed this picture. It was surreal walking in this small village, like a page from the past.
Yes it was a great trip and you are right, Thailand is a beautiful and exotic country.
God bless,
Fred




Hi Mel,
Thanks for your kind comments, and Thailand is a trip of a lifetime. Now if I could somehow make it to India!
God bless,
Fred