posted
Some of you may have seen this before...But it is great reminder to us all about Life.
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 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, 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 these 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 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!
I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about .I just did.
posted
WOW! That is very sweet & should remind us all that our children watch EVERYTHING we do and that life is what we make of it! Thanks for sharing comfrey!
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DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU!=O) Posts: 5026 | From: KS | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Children do indeed watch everything and much more sinks in than we ever can imagine. Thanks for sharing this one Bev!
bbbbbbbbb We are all under the same stars... therefore we are never far apart. Posts: 30076 | From: Washington, the state that is... | Registered: Aug 2004
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Thank you for that Comfrey! I know that many of times I have thought Tristen wasn't listening or paying attention when I say or do something but much to my surprise he is listening or watching so we as parents really need to watch we are doing. Thank you for the reminder!
bbbbbbbbb All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. Posts: 5156 | From: Minnesota | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
This is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes, but I think it's something we should read every day. Life is so precious and sometimes we take it for granted. Children always see what we often miss.
bbbbbbbbb "Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me, my family, my home, and my friends, in Jesus' name. Amen!" Posts: 6492 | From: Illinois | Registered: Feb 2006
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![[kissies]](graemlins/kissies.gif)
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to my eyes just reading it.![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Life is so precious and sometimes we take it for granted. Children always see what we often miss. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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