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A
frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year
grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his
step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's
shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas 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.
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 when 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 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.
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.
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!
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it
seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she
handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree
lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll
miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a living; is not the same thing as making a life;
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on
both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if
you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work, and
doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually
make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch--holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly
pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. |
