And a Little Child .

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The Old Grandfather's Table
(Playing ~ "The Grandfather")

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 they noticed
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'm 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 was spilled or the tablecloth was 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.

We need to be wise builders and role models.

~ author unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"..... and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

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