The Wooden Bowl

[Guest guest]

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 from when I grow up. " The four-year-old

smiled and went back to work. The words so struck 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 was dropped, 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 that every day that building blocks are being laid for the

child's future.

 

Let us all be wise builders and role models. Take care of

yourself, ... and those you love, ... today, and everyday!

gokulmuthu narayanaswamy <gokulmuthu