The Wooden Bowl

 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 have 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, 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 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 shock the 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 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 dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

I have learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.  I have learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life. I have learned that making a 'living is not the same thing as making a life. I have learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I have learned that you should not go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes. 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.

Finally, I have learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.  I have 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.

God is walking with us this morning when we pray: “You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.” (Exodus 30:29).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they welcome into their homes anyone who feels empty and alone. Make our hearts generous with your spirit of love and understanding.