You will remember this story of The Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.....at least I hope you do.
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 steps faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing eyesight made eating difficult.
Peas rolled off onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the table cloth
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 son and daughter-in-law set up 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 his direction, sometimes, he had a tear in his eye as he sat all alone. Still, the only words the family had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled his food.
The four year old watched it all in silence. One evening, before dinner, 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 child answered, "Oh, I'm just 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 that they were speachless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no words were spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening, the son took his father's hand, and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his life, he ate every meal with the family, and for some reason, neither son or daughter-in-law seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the table cloth soiled.
Remember this story....it has a moral.....to be kind and thoughtful of others, to treat others as you would want to be treated. We are all aging and reversal of roles often happen.....it could be you someday.
I have learned that, no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life goes on and it will be better tomorrow.
I have learned, that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they're gone from your life.
I have 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 have learned that to hurt another person needlessly, hurts me too. Sometimes we forget that other people have problems and just because we have our own problems, doesn't give us the right to inflict our anger on another person.
I have learned that everyday, 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. Don't go to sleep angry at someone you love....talk things out, be loving and forgiving and if you can't settle your differences, then at least tell them you love them, and mean it.
I have learned to never give up my hopes and dreams. To give up on your hopes and dreams is to give up on life. Cherish each moment as if it were your last. Make wonderful memories and build on them; they are your memories and no one can ever take them from you...remember the happy ones and learn from the bad. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is uncertain, but today is a gift, that's why it's called the present.
But, most of all, I have learned that I still have a lot to learn....and don't we all?
God Bless you and yours. Take care of yourselves and each other and remember, someone loves you. |
