The Discovery

Reading ... Litlle story

Tom was a nine year old boy who made his parents feel quite concerned about him.
He went to school but didn’t like studying and found it difficult to follow the class.
His parents felt quite concerned about his future. They tried in every way to make Tom more interested in other things than playing.
As time passed, the boy's parents became increasingly anxious. They had tried everything possible.
They tried to awaken his interest in music, but it was a disaster.Tom had no patience for playing piano; he thought the exercises where quite monotonous. He got angry playing guitar. He managed to tore the ropes of the instrument. Violin? No way. He didn’t like playing drums because it’s too noisy. He came to the conclusion he had no talent for music, leaving his teachers discouraged.
- Since you are not inclined to music, son, perhaps you will enjoy something else? Painting,  for example? It's fascinating! Let’s have a look at some of the great masters of painting.
- Okay. I'll try.
Unfortunately, Tom couldn’t cope with using the brush or mixing colors. He got bored and soon gave up.
- If you don’t like studying, music or painting, maybe you will be interested in a sport? You could perhaps play football! – her mom said.
- No way. I enjoy watching games, but not runnig after a ball.
- Well, then perhaps you will enjoy athletics games?
- Runnig, jumping ... none of this suits me.
- Tennis?
- No way.
- Perhaps volleyball?
- I'm not tall enough.
- Swimming?
- I enjoy going for a swim, but only to cool off my body from the sun heat.
- Basketball?
- Not for me.
They tried all types of sport. Nothing seemed to suit him.
His parents got increasingly worried. Tom was now fifteen years old. He was now becoming a tall, skinny boy who hadn’t yet discovered anything that interested him.
They tried to get him into computers but he only used it to have fun with games.
Tom's mother became increasingly anxious, but his father insisted on saying:
- Calm down, dear. All people have ability or tendency for something. Our son is no different. He will eventually discover what he likes.
- Really? I've asked God to enlighten our son! - Mama said quite concerned.
One day, Tom was walking in a park. He sat at the edge of the lake and began to think. That situation wasn’t too pleasant for him either. He wanted to do something but didn’t know what. He remembered God at that moment and prayed fervently pleading for help and protection. He felt worthless and with no life goals. He lowered his head and wept sorely.
He felt more reassured. Tom suddenly looked around and saw a piece of wood nearby. He felt an urge to get his hands on it. He turned it around, playing close attention to that  object. It looked so interesting!
He seemed to see an image of a bird with wings in that timber. Tom then grabbed a knife that he always carried in his pocket and started working on it.
He managed to carve head, eyes and wings. He then shaped legs and feet.
Tom didn’t see the time passing by. He felt ecstatic in front of a small sculpture when he finished. It was something created by him.
He then ran home. He wanted to tell the news to his parents. He showed the sculpture to them.   


- Look! Dad, you were right. We all have ignored potentials and skills. I found out that my hands are good for something. I can also be useful and creative.
- But when did you learn to carve wood? – His father asked, puzzled.
- I don’t know. It seems to me that I have learned before and I'm just remembering!
His parents felt amazed and joyful with his discovery. Tom finally had found a reason to live!
From that day on, Tom had his eyes wide open. Everything he saw, he began to see what he could make, modify, transform, sculpt.
He became a great artist. His works were much sought after and his expositions were fairly crowded. He became known in Brazil and overseas, but never ceased being simple.
He now had a goal. He wants to help children, passing his knowledge and teaching we can only be happy when we work with love, doing what we like.
He always thanked God, who had helped him when he most needed. God showed him the path he should pursue.

                                                    AUNTIE CÉLIA

Source: O Consolador – Weekly Spiritist Magazine
Author: Célia Xavier Camargo
Translation: Carolina von Scharten, London, linked to BUSS - The British Union of Spiritist Societies
Thanks Carolina Von Scharten