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 Grandfather," 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 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 atmosphere for family members, they will
imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes
that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future.
Let's be wise builders.
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