Ox-Cart Man

I had the privilege of watching a group of youngsters today while their Mommies studied their Bibles. I decided that they had had enough time to wrestle, shove each other out of the little tikes car, spin in circles, etc. I had them all sit down and listen to the Ox-cart Man.

I love this story because it is so calming. It is about a man who takes his loaded cart to town and sells all of his goods. He buys a few simple gifts and returns home. At home his wife and kids get busy making all of the things they need to survive the coming year, return to town and sell their increase. It is a wonderful portrayal of very simple life.

One little guy was just floored by the whole idea. He looked at me and asked "Why did he sell everything?" I told him that he sold all they had, but that they had enough to start over at home. He just couldn't figure out why you would sell everything. I admit, the first time I read it I found it a bit appalling. It is just so foreign to my Wal-Mart mentality to think that you could make what you need, sell it and make another ONE. I am so used to everything being made in bulk, that the idea of making one, selling it, and making another seems really odd. Especially when it means that while you are making it you don't have it. Weird.

It makes me appreciate even more what folks like, from HIV to Home are doing with their necklaces from Uganda. These women are making them one at a time and selling them. This is how they are supporting their families. I pray that they are as blessed in their lives as the Ox-cart man seemed to be in his.