BFOOD FOR THE SOUL FED IN A WOODEN BOWL I have always said and will continue to say that THE DAY YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH OR CONCEIVE IN YOUR HEART THAT YOUR PARENTS ARE A LIABILITY, YOU BECOME A SPECIMEN OF FUTILITY TO HUMANITY. Here is a touching story on Family, Love, Parents and Relationships to help us in our dealings with the people most dear to us. A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and a four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his steps faltered. The family ate together nightly at the dinner table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating rather difficult for him. Beans rolled off his spoon onto the floor - it was that horrible. When he grasped a glass of liquid, often milk or water spilled on the tablecloth. His son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess and decided “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 a corner of the dining room. There, grandfather ate alone and unaided while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner at the dinner table. Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. Sometimes when the family glanced in grandfather’s direction, he had a tear in his eye as he struggled alone to eat. 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, my son?” Just as sweetly, the little boy responded, “Oh, daddy, I am making the bowl for you and mama to eat when you grow as old as grandpa.” 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. And for the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family, helped by his son and daughter-in-law. And for the same 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 observant, their ears ever listening, and their minds ever processing 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 every day that building blocks are being laid for the child’s future. Let us all be wise builders and role models. #JESUSorNOTHING
Posted on: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 04:46:49 +0000