The above photos were taken by Ashish and Megan in Tura , North East India. This is a jungle tree house used as an observation post and living quarters. This one is a tourist holiday lodge. The inside looks so comfy and adventurous. You can see Megan and Namrita enjoying the interior with the children exploring.
Now to a more sombre subject which is disturbing us this weekend.
As waves the Japan disaster news hits our television screens we grieve for the nation of Japan and watch helplessly as survivors struggle to extricate themselves from the debris and desolation around them.
Japan is the 3rd largest economic power (BBC) and one of the most technologically advanced country of the world. It has suffered such massive loss and damage. And now the explosion in the nuclear reactor. Tonight BBC is reporting 1700 dead. What would have happened if this calamity had taken place in an underdeveloped and backward country? Strange question you may say , but I can 't help thinking about it. Nature treats everyone the same. And the damage uncontrolled, Haiti is an example.
Last night while the news channels were beaming the horrifying news and visuals a BBC reporter solemnly announced that it was 9pm in Japan and people were out on the streets fearing aftershocks. My dear mother in her simple way heaved a great sigh of relief and said she was glad the people of Japan have torches (flashlights). And friends in the middle of all that disaster I couldn 't help but laugh. Mother lays great store by torches and flashlights in the dark - its a Mom thing.
But its good advice - to keep your torch ready, by your side.
And hold it up high.
Your torch of faith
and trust in God.
Let it shine all around you.
Let people see your light.
Keep your lamps trimmed and well oiled like the wise ladies in the PRARABLE OF jESUS
Matthew 25:1-13 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:1-13 (New International Version, ©2011)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
13 Fertilize my soul:
Is everything in this house wooden?
Yes Zin, wood and bamboo.
Hi again Zim, coming to think of it they may be using dried palm leaves for the walls and roof, its late night, I will call Namrita and ask about the materials used to build the tree house and post a note about it tomorrow. I am glad you asked
It seems the people of Japan are constantly on my heart, I cannot help but pray for them. As you said, what a timely reminder to be ready for in such an hour as your think not, the Son of man cometh. Have a blessed weekend Amrita!
Many hugs.........
Diane
Yes..we are keeping Japan in prayer too...my brother and family in Hawaii are fine...
no one can really prepare for so great an earthquake, its just too massive...God bless the Japanese people and survivors...
Very inspiring post Amrita. Your mother is right. In the midst of a severe earthquake where light is cut off, it is great to have a ready flashlight by your side to keep your bearing and not grope in the dark. You are right, we must serve as the light of the world so that people will see the glory of God in our lives. And we must trim our lamps and be always ready when the Bridegroom calls lest we be left out. Thanks for this most inspiring post. God bless you always.
I love hearing about the "Mom-things" in others lives! This one really made me smile! But I'll tell you, when we grew up in Liberia with no electricity, your torch (flashlight) was your ticket to safety! I wouldn't have dared to walk even from room to room in the night without a light -- snakes, scorpions, tarantulas ... grrrr.. makes me shudder just to recall! Light dispels fear and gives insight as well as sight! Great post, Amrita!
Hi Amrita,
Your mother sounds like such a wise and sensitive woman.
God Save Japan and its suffering ones...
i have my torch, and my wood burning stove just in case.
liked the tree house pictures a lot
Very prophetic I think. Great post Amrita!
Thank you everyone for your responses.
Vaisakh I very much apreciate your visit.
As the Japan tragedy unfolds th e heart rending visuals and reports are so sad. And now this nuclear reactor explosion.
The whole world is affected by what has hapened. The most advanced , most prepared , supposedly safe country of the world had to bow its knees before a calamity like this.
No one is safe, we are all in the hands of God.
Dear David, we can see that torch too. Praying for your safe trip to FL.
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