Lessons in Life: The Wooden BowL

blogspot.com



Credits: lostsoul of pD
NOTE: i happened to read this s0mewhere but i cant recaLL kung where

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 step faltered. The family ate together nightly at the
dinner table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing
sight made eating rather difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the
floor. When he grasped the glass often 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 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 ate 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 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.
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 that building blocks
are being laid for the child's future.

Let us all be wise builders and role models. Take care of yourself,
... and those you love, ... today, and everyday!