The Grandpa


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 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's be wise builders.

You don't stop laughing because you grow old;
you grow old because you stop laughing.

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Author Unknown

Supplied for Our Devotions by Julie Brickhouse - Jokes and Devotions

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