Smiles, Prayers, Friends...

A smile...

makes us look younger...

While prayers...

make us feel stronger...

and friends...

They make us enjoy life!

The Wooden Bowl

You will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

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 father," 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 so 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.

The mercy you show will be the mercy you receive!

Mother's Hands...

In this restless realm can there be any greater demands,

Than those entrusted to a Mother's affectionate hands?

Upon her, the destiny of humankind certainly depends,

As her love and tenderness, all adversity transcends.

From the moment of birth and upon hearing that lusty squall,

Tender hands caress her precious little ones so very small.

Caring hands that are just beginning a life of devotion,

Praising the Creator with a heart filled with emotion!

Steadying hands will guide the tentative steps of little feet;

Loving hands will prepare nutritious foods to eat;

Healing hands will tend each bruised elbow and knee;

Happy hands will clap when sharing moments of glee!

Guiding hands will help to avoid life's treacherous shoals;

Teaching hands will assist to ever strive for noble goals;

Praying hands will keep the focus on worthy things above;

Molding hands will develop character, integrity and love.

Her aged hands now fragile and small;

Have done their life-work in raising us all.

Beautiful hands that rest on her knee;

Time-worn hands that have written her legacy!

Written by Robert L. Hinshaw

(Last verse by kathylove)

Life is Busy...

One thing I know: Life is going by fast...too fast!

Where does all my time go??

And I'm retired, already!!!