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Spiritism for Kids - Célia Xavier Camargo - Portuguese  Spanish
Year 10 - N° 488 - October 23, 2016

Translation
Johnny Silveira / silveirajohnny@yahoo.com
 

 

Lost time

 

A certain man was a carpenter by profession and had an extraordinary ease to work with wood. He was a true master of his craft and everyone admired his work. And the man had a dream.

He wanted to carve in wood a life-size image of Jesus whom he loved deeply.

Talking to a friend, the carpenter spoke of the dream he harboured in his heart and his companion encouraged him:

- So why don’t you do it? With your talent and capable hands, I'm sure that the sculpture will be a masterpiece!

And the carpenter said:

- Ah! My friend! I do not lack the desire to do it. However, the work must be perfect and I still have not decided what wood I should use.

Always uncertain, the craftsman let time go by. One type wood was not good enough because it was too stiff; the other because it was not tough enough; another was soft and easy to handle, but the tone did not please him.

And so time passed without the carpenter realising it.

A few years later he was reunited with his friend

who had returned to the city and, feeling curious, asked him about the work.

- I have decided what kind of wood that I will use. However, I have not yet started because I have not been in my best state of mind. I believe that to sculpt the figure of the Master I must feel good about myself and the world. You know, my customers require a lot of my attention but I often get aggravated and lose my patience. Moreover, since I cannot give up my services of carpentry, where I earn a living for my family, I can only dedicate myself to the cherished dream of my soul in my spare time. So, most of the time, I feel tired and sleepy. However - he completed trying to look enthusiastic - I intend to begin my masterpiece soon.

Sometime later they met again, and his friend again showed interest in the subject but the craftsman argued:

- Unfortunately, I have not yet started the work because the conditions do not allow it. My family takes a lot of my attention and my children request my love. It is only normal as they are still young and dependent. But when they grow up a little more, I will be able to work in peace.

And so time passed. Many years later, visiting the city again, the friend went to visit the carpenter. He found the man old and sick.

After the greetings and the exchange of news, feeling happy with the reunion, the visitor asked, curious:

- So? I look forward to seeing the work that you have wanted so much to do. Surely it must be superb!

The eyes of the craftsman lost their sparkle and an infinite sadness vibrated in his voice now trembling with age:

- Oh, my friend! Unfortunately, I did not even start the job that represented the dream of a lifetime. The difficulties were too great and the need to provide support for my family absorbed me. Now, I am sick and powerless. My eyesight is weak so I no longer see as before, and my trembling hands do not allow me to work anymore.

Greatly saddened, his visitor saw him pull out a handkerchief and wipe away a tear, filled with regret and bitterness.

- It's late, my friend. I had all the necessary conditions but did not know how to seize them. I missed the opportunity the Lord has given me.
 

Trying to cheer him up, his friend considered:

- Who knows? Do not be discouraged. It may still be possible.
The carpenter looked at his friend, showing that he understood the full extent of his uselessness and blindness, and said convincingly:

- Not this time; only if it is in another lifetime!


Aunt Celia



 



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