Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: HERO (10/01/20)
-
TITLE: Jayavardane's Ambition | Previous Challenge Entry
By Shanta Richard
10/08/20 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
My grandfather owned and lived in a tea-plantation in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. One year I visited him during my summer vacation . Among the articles that decorated his home I saw some unique ones that were made out of coconut shells. When I questioned my grand father about them, he offered to take me to visit the craftsman who made them.
The next morning we left early and walked past the plantations and followed a forest trail. After walking for about an hour we reached a small village of about twenty five thatched cottages. As we neared one of them a man came out and greeted us. My grand father introduced him to me.
"This is Mr. Jayavardane, the one who makes coconut art work,"he said.
When Mr.Jayavardane bowed before me I was shocked to notice his hands. They were crippled and crooked. He smiled at my expression.
"Come and see my workshop," he said as he led the way to a nearby shed.
It was tidy and clean inside. In one corner there was a pile of coconut shells. On a table some sharp iron knives in various sizes and shapes were arranged neatly. There were a couple of jars containing wax and glue, a can of varnish, some brushes stuck in a cup and a pumice stone for polishing. On a shelf there were some unfinished articles. I was amazed at how simple and almost primitive everything appeared.
"Where did you learn this art ? Did you go to school? Do you have books and patterns to follow ? " I asked.
"Oh, no" he said," God gives me the ideas, He shows me how to work them, I only follow His directions."
"Does it hurt your hands when you work with those tools."
" Yes , it does, but not too much. I can handle it," he smiled.
" How much do you earn? Is it enough for you and your family to
live on?"'
"We have more than enough,"he said, "We have a couple of goats, some chicken, and a vegetable garden. Besides my wife works in the plantation. After school my son does some errands for me. I even save some money for my son's education."
"Does he want to study art," I asked.
"Oh, no, he wants to be a Doctor. He wants to cure people with crippled hands like me,"he laughed. "He is a smart boy, and with God's help I am sure he will do it. God has blessed us abundantly and we have to do our part and help others."
I felt humbled in the presence of this magnanimous man. He had
no Social Security, unemployment or disability assistance, or any retirement benefits. And yet he was willing to invest his life's savings for the wellbeing of his fellowman. His almost impossible ambition was based on the faithfulness of his God who "specializes in things thought impossible."
Bible references from King James Version.
I have showed thee all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35
Labour not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom.
Proverbs. 23:4
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
