The Wooden Bowl
The Wooden Bowl-I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden
Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year
Old 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 father,"
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 CornerThere.
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,
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.
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.
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 four things: a rainy day, the elderly, 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 e 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!