The Camel

This has been my first week flying solo! No husband, (he went back to work), no Mom or Mom in law. Just me! You will see why I wanted to share this!

My sweet and loving friend, Jaimi sent our family this letter along with a wooden camel. It was so touching to me that I wanted to share it, with her permission of course! Thank you to this most cherished family!

The camel is an interesting animal.  It is not one of the most beautiful.  It has thick matted hair that falls off in clumps.  It has knobby knees and a big hump on its back.  It is referred to as a ruminant because it regurgitates its swallowed food to chew again, and then swallows it again.  However, the camel is a wonderful pack animal.  It is used for transportation in many countries.  Camels can carry up to six hundred pounds and average twenty miles a day over rugged terrain.  They can travel in hot conditions and go for long periods of time without water.  They truly are amazing animals.  Regardless of its looks or mannerisms, a camel is loved by its master, for it is useful, obedient, and needed.

Here is the camel’s secret......Each night, at the end of a long day, the camel kneels at the feet of his master.  His master carefully lifts the burden from the camel’s back so it can rest comfortably through the night.  The next morning, the camel kneels again before His master, and the master gently places the burden on the camel’s back for another day.  He is careful to rearrange things here or there if he sees that the pack is wearing a sore spot.  This enables the camel to carry his burden for another day.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Throughout His life, the Savior was referred to as Master.  He loves us regardless of our looks or mannerisms. He desires for us to be useful and obedient.  May we practice the secret of the camel.  As we kneel each night at the feet of our Master, may He lift our burdens that we may rest well and comfortably.  As  we kneel each morning, may we realize that He knows of our pain, our suffering, and our sorrows, for He has felt them all.  May our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ be sufficient to help us carry our burdens...for just one more day.  

Rebecca Pulliam, Aberdeen, Idaho

Dear Smedley Family,

The story above along with a camel were given to our family as a Christmas gift a few years ago.  The imagery of the Savior, our Master, lifting our burdens as we kneel before Him was so powerful for me that I have chosen to leave the camel out all year long as a constant reminder.  May the tremendous burdens placed on you at this time be lightened through the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.  May your faith in Him and His plan bring you peace and may angels here on earth and from heaven surround you in your time of need.  We love you more than we can express. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are always with you.

Jeff, Jaimi, Summer and Gracen

This is sitting on my our fireplace mantle, permanently!