Last week was Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival. This year marks the 3rd time we have been in Thailand during this beautiful and fun festival. Fireworks, lights, lanterns, markets, live music, food, family and friends… It’s all become a really enjoyable time for us and our Thai friends.
Video courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand – www.loikrathong.net
As you can see from the video above it really can be quite beautiful. But, as we made our way through the massive crowds of people this year to get a few pictures of the local festivities (this was our first Loy Krathong here in Bangkok), the darkness began to creep into the cheerful scene.
Yes, the lanterns and floating krathongs are quite beautiful, but the people releasing them believe that in doing so also goes their bad luck and misfortune. The people floating their krathongs are also doing so to ask for forgiveness from Phra Mae Khongkha (the goddess of water) for using and dirtying the water and to wash away their sins.
I’m frustrated with how complacent we have become sometimes. Language learning is important. Partnering with the local church is important. But how in a year and a half have I come to the point that people believing that floating a banana leaf raft down the river will wash away their sins doesn’t just break my heart?
So much of Thailand and the Thai people is so beautiful. The rich culture, festivals dating back 1,000+ years, etc. But this culture and these Buddhist/Animist festivals go to further show just how far removed the Truth of Jesus Christ is from this place. We’re excited to be a part of God’s work here in SE Asia, but sometimes I wonder how on earth the job will get done…
I guess we’ll just hang on for the ride and keep stepping out in faith…
Ya know, as I was Christmas Shopping this year–I had the same thought. Here we’re supposed to be celebrating the birth of the Savior of the WORLD, and all most of us are doing are trying to get the best deal on an Ipod.
We all have to fight against the complacency wherever we are.
I have friends and family right here where I am who don’t know God, but I spend so very little time on my knees begging God to move on their hearts so they can have relationship with Him. It makes me very ashamed.
Thanks for reminding me to be after what God is after.