Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Story Of The Wooden Bowl...!


This was given to me by my baby Sis, and I wanted to pass it on to you!

There is an important lesson to be learned here, but probably those that need it the most won't hear or understand it!

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. If not, you should!

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, 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 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 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 sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on God, 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!

We should all remember that what goes around in our present, usually will come back around in our future...and sometimes it will bite us in the ass!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again! Practice the Golden Rule...!

Come on, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee! Supposed to be warm today!

17 comments:

DianeLynn said...

This is so beautiful. I'm going thru some stuff and I needed this. I have a couple people in mind that could use this too. Thank you Mr. Jim

HermitJim said...

Hey Diane-Sage...
Certainly glad to be of service, my friend!

You know that any time you need someone to unload on, feel free to just drop me a line and I'll give you my number to call me if you want!

Glad you enjoyed this piece and also that you could come by today!

Anonymous said...

Thank God! I visited you today.

Sixbears said...

Beautiful story. There's hope for us all yet.

Baby Sis said...

It reads even better the sceond or third time around, Bubba.

And I think I neede to hear it again myself - my "stuff" is threatening to overwhelm me, and I was losing focus. Thanks again to Big Bro for bringing me back. I love you more than you can know....

Big Hugs -

Momlady said...

Although I have heard the story before it's a good reminder the second time around. Glad it's warm there 'cause it sure isn't here! The coffee should warm me up. Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

I've seen this one before too, but its lessons never get old - great one to 'bump up' - Thanks HermitJim. Making each other's lives easier is always a good thing.

Ben in Texas said...

Yep, good story today Mr. Hermit..

Are we becoming the ole man with the wooden spoon?

JoJo said...

Good Morning My Special One,
That was beautiful. I will make a copy and keep it where myself and others can read it.Thank you and little Sis.

2 Tramps said...

Great lesson, H.J. and so very true. We are currently trying to help aging parents and dealing with siblings that don't get it. I'd like to send this to them but I don't think they would hear the message. It makes me very sad as they leave their folks alone each holiday - too selfish to share their home and family with them even though they live just a short distance away.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jim.
andy

Ellen said...

Thank you. I love coming here and visiting you each day.

HermitJim said...

Hey Rekhaa...
Really nice of you to say so!

Many thanks for your visit!


Hey Sixbears...
Let's hope so, my friend! Let's hope so!

I sure thank you for coming by today!


Hey Sis...
now don't let "stuff" get too out of hand!

Nothing is so important that it can't wait until another day!

If you get a chance later, give me a call!


Hey Momlady...
Glad it's warm here myself!I just don't do well in the cold weather!

I'm glad you didn't mind hearing the story again!

Thanks for your visit today!


Hey Anon 7:21...
If only more of us would do that very thing! Sure would make everyone's day a bit more enjoyable!

Thanks for the visit!


Hey Ben...
I reckon we could be, buddy! Don't think they would have much luck keeping us in the corner table unless we wanted it!

Don't think the cats would even try!

Thanks for dropping by, buddy!


Hey JoJo...
glad you enjoyed it, sweetie!

Thanks for making it by today!


Hey 2 Tramps...
Never easy and always sad when you have to try and convince siblings that they need to do the right thing!

Luckily, so far that has not been an issue with my family so far! Knock wood!

Hope that the upcoming MRI on Tramp1 goes well!

I sure appreciate you coming by today!


Hey Andy...
My pleasure, buddy! My pleasure!

I really am glad you could come by today!

HermitJim said...

Hey Ellen...
And I sure do enjoy you taking the time to come by for a visit!

I appreciate it a lot!

Catman said...

Fel was with me the day we were in a store and witnessed a child being mistreated by a pair of obviously self absorbed parents.

While we stood in the checkout line the kid looked at me while still sniffing and wiping away his tears.

I told him, "Don't worry about it kid. Just remember this day when it comes time to pick out a nursing home."

The stunned parents could only stare at me, and there were snickers and gufaws among other patrons who had witnessed the event.

HermitJim said...

Hey Catman...
Good advice...and I'm glad the parents heard it! Wonder if it even registered? Probably not, but it was good just the same!

You have a great day, buddy, and thanks for coming by today!

Anonymous said...

That's a great story, you are right, it will be remembered.

AV