THE WOODEN BOWL

A frail old man went to live
with his son, daughter-in-law,
and a four-year grandson. The
old man's hands trembled, his
eyesight was blurred, and his
step faltered.
While the family ate
together at the table, the
elderly grandfather's shaky
hands and failing sight made
eating difficult. Rice rolled
off his spoon onto the floor.
When he grasped the glass,
milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law
became irritated with the
mess. "We must do something
about Grandfather," said the
son. "I've had enough of his
spilled milk, noisy eating and
food on the floor." So the
husband and wife set a small
table in the corner. There,
Grandfather ate alone while
the rest of the family enjoyed
dinner and since Grandfather had
broken a dish or two, his food
was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in
Grandfather's direction,
sometimes he had a tear in his
eye as he sat alone. Still, the
only words the couple had for
him were sharp admonitions
wheneva he dropped a fork or
spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it
all in silence. One evening
before supper, the father
noticed his son playing with
wood scraps on the floor. He
asked the child sweetly,
"What are you making?" Just
as sweetly, the boy
responded, "Oh I am making a
little bowl for you and Mama
to eat your food from when I
grow up." The four-year-old
smiled and went back to
work.
The words so struck the
parents that they were
speechless. Then tears
started to stream down their
cheeks. Though no word was
spoken, both knew what must
be done. That evening the
husband took Grandfather's
hand and gently led him back
to the family table. For the
remainder of his days he ate
every meal with the family.
And for some reason, neither
husband nor wife seemed to
care any longer when a fork
was dropped, milk spilled, or
the tablecloth soiled.
Note: Children are remarkably
perceptive. Their eyes ever
observe, their ears ever listen,
and their minds ever process
the messages they absorb. If
they see us patiently provide
a happy home atmosphere for
family members, they will
imitate that attitude for the
rest of their lives. The wise
parent realizes that every day
the building blocks are being
laid for the child's future.
Let's be wise builders and
role models.
Say this prayer with me.....
Lord, we ask not that you
move the mountains, but that
You give us the strength to
climb.......
"Life is about people
connecting with people, and
making a positive difference"
Take care of yourself, and
those you love....today, and
everyday!"