A STORY FOR FRIDAY TODAY The Old Man and the Wooden Bowl A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old mans hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfathers 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 father, said the son. Ive 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 Grandfathers direction, sometime 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 in when I grow up. The four-year-old smiled and went back to work . The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. LESSON Dear friend, regardless of your relationship with your parents, youll miss them when theyre gone from your life. Remember that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.. 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. My plea to you dear friend is that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. When you meet other peoples needs, God will meet your needs. Why would you remain happy and contented in town when your parents are neglected at home?? Lets all do good to our parents when they are living instead of spending too much on their burial while they died in poverty. IS THE MESSAGE HOME?????????
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 04:48:42 +0000