Guest Post
by Caryl Moll
I have a large collection of used pencil crayons that have been acquired over almost 50 years. Most of them are extremely worn down. The very short ones have only a few centimetres of colour left to offer. Some have eroded labels that have been scraped to allow space for someone’s name to be etched onto the side. They mostly belonged to my children who used them for school projects and tasks, but some go back even further in history. The original owners have moved on now, but the crayons themselves have not lost their nostalgia.
This morning, I was cleaning out my den and I uncovered this old crayon collection. I laid them out lovingly on my desk. Their colours and shapes dazzled me. How many hands had held these pencils over the years, I wondered. What were they used for? Did they help in achieving the handler’s goal? How many creative ideas have flowed from their tips? I could only smile as I thought back on those times and the people involved. Certainly, I have a very special history contained in this pencil collection – a precious one indeed.
—xXx—
Sometimes it helps to look back on history – to remember the paths that have been carved out by those people who have gone before us; to learn from their decisions too. Their history tells its own story and we can shape our own from the lessons taught.
The bible speaks about this too:
“16 This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16)
Did you know that this particular verse is hanging up on one of our banners in our church’s sanctuary? The banner itself was created at the time of New Harvest’s birth. I remember how our fellowship group took a whole Saturday to lovingly shape this banner. It holds wonderful images of us all sitting on the floor together, working on this project to lead us into the years ahead. The verse itself is from my own childhood prayer book. It speaks of a time of decision making and a need to draw closer to the ancient paths which have already been travelled.
Perhaps take a moment to study this scripture and reflect it into our own life too. The lessons from those who have gone before us and knelt at the altar of God may well bring us peace. What path will you choose?
With love, in Christ
Caryl
beautiful Caryl … just what I need to pass on to a friend of mine struggling with thoughts of fear and doubt, like so many people today. Thanx for this beautiful message. You really are a story teller, beautiful God given talent. God bless you.
Thanks Heike. You too are amazing in your affirmations. God bless. Xxx
A beautiful analogy of the impact many people have made in our lives. How they have helped us to choose the right paths in times of doubt and confusion. Thanks Caryl
I am so thankful for wise and faithful parents, Christain friends, teachers, ministers and many more. What a rich inheritance the Lord has blessed me with. Thank you Caryl.