This week on ‘Field of Dreams’, the lads got invited to an evening with the British Ambassador in Kolkutta. Dress code was formal and of course none of them had suits, so Freddie took them along to an Indian bespoke tailor where they were all measured up and could choose fabrics for their new outfits. They were so excited! In my experience, sons were always more interested in having new clothes than daughters. My mother always says when I was a child I would rather wear the same old clothes rather than buy new, whereas my brother snatched at any chance to have something new, clambering onto the dining table so that he could admire himself in the mirror.
Well, these boys were the same. Some choosing traditional cuts and materials, whereas others went for sparkles, sequins and plush velvet. Some went for bright colours, others for more muted tones. Several had to learn to tie a tie, one went for sunglasses and a bandana. When the time came to leave for the reception, the photo taken showed a group of well turned out gentlemen, unrecognisable from the original series of the show.
The programme went on to show them confidently engaging in conversation with the ambassador and his family. Well, all except one who found it a very anxious experience outside his comfort zone. Freddie found him sitting alone outside and sat beside him. Despite his autism diagnosis, this young man was very candid about his feelings; Freddie was a good listener, accepting his concerns as relevant and sensitively helping him to realise that he wasn’t alone. Both returned to the gathering.
As Christians, we wear the new garments of righteousness provided for us through the sacrifice of Jesus and can dispose of the filthy rags of sin. Of course, that doesn’t mean everything is Ok from then on. We have concerns, anxieties, sufferings, worries, fears. But Jesus draws alongside. We can tell Him. He listens and is with us when we continue on our way.
Thank you Lord,
You replace our rags for rich garments of righteousness,
You replace our concerns with hope
You replace our pain with joy
Amen