What Do We Teach our Children

Please visit Charlotte and Ginger, our wonderful hostesses for Spiritual Sunday. Just click on the blue sky to the right.

When I first read this story, I was so moved by it...I hope it touches your heart.

"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.” Therefore, 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."
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"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 the building blocks are being laid for the child’s future. Let us be wise builders and role models."

I was at the hospital once, washing my hands in the ladies room, when a young woman came in with an elderly woman. As the elderly woman was using the toilet, the younger woman badgered here by continually telling her to hurry up...over and over again, without taking a breath. The poor woman told her, "I'm trying, I'm trying..." I was so upset and angry. I politely told her to be patient, that a person can't help how long it takes them to use the toilet. She glared at me, waited about 10 seconds and started in again. When the woman was finished, she came out with tears in her eyes, looked at me, and just hung her head down as she headed for the door. The young woman grabbed her arm and "helped" her out. I just stood there for a moment and prayed for both of them.

We're all getting older...if we're fortunate we will reach a ripe old age and will even need a little help getting around. I hope I taught my children well. Pray for those that were not taught to be patient and kind...pray that God will change their hearts.


Mary