Tending The Garden Inspirational Stories
GRANDPA'S TABLE
A frail old man went to live with is 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 very
difficult for him. Peas rolled off his fork onto the floor. When he
grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and
daughter-in-law soon became very irritated with the mess.
"We must do something about dad," said his son. "I've really had
enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and all that 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, sometimes 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 wooden bowl
for you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up and you grow old." The
four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck his 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 very evening, the husband took his dad's hand and
gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with his family. And for
some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a
fork was dropped, a plate broken, 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 every day, the building blocks are being laid for the
child's future. Let's be wise builders and role models for our children,
our grandchildren, our friends' children, etc.
Lord, we ask not that you move the mountains, but that You give us the
strength to climb.
Life is about people connecting with people, and making
a positive difference.
Take care of yourself -- and those you love -- today -- and everyday!
Author Unknown
© 2008 Tending the Garden, All Rights Reserved. Founded 10-1-1994