Sunday 13 December 2009

Inspirational Story - The Wooden Bowl

Got this inspirational story via an email forward from a friend (*Thanks Wei Yun!) and would like to share it with you guys who happened to pass by and read this post. There is another version of this story which I heard when I was smaller and it involves a wooden basket instead of a wooden bowl, but the lessons learnt are still the same.

I hope this story will inspire you as much as it does to me. Though my parents are no longer around (dad passed away in April 06', mum in January 07') I do miss them so much every day and wish they could see their daughter now becoming a mother herself and have the perfect little child any parents could wish for. I love you mum & dad...

The Wooden Bowl

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.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about. I just did.

And some bible phrases for you to ponder on...

Proverbs 17:6 (NIV) - Children's children are a crown to the aged,and parents are the pride of their children.

Colossians 3:20 (NIV) - Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

John 3:18 (NIV) = Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is awesome. Thanks for the story, what you've learned and the verses. Very uplifting way to start the day.

Thanks also for your comment at my Orange Saturday post. I hope you join in the fun. I'm your newest blog follower.

I'm a full-time mummy said...

Oh wow! You are really fast! I've just posted this up few minutes ago! The story and the lessons learned are not from me though, I just copy & pasted it on to my post.

Glad you like it though and thanks for following me! :D

Unknown said...

Found you from Midday! Wonderful story! Following.

I'm a full-time mummy said...

Oh wow again! I was just about to shut down my PC and I get these comments from Midday and you! Very fast!

Thanks for following my blog. I've done the same! Stay in touch ok? :D

Jennifer said...

What a heartwarming story!!

I love the layout of your blog, by the way :)

Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!

JaelCustomDesigns said...

Popping in from Midday Escapades! Now following you...

This was a wonderful story!

Candy and Cake Sugar Designs said...

Thank you for sharing that beautiful story and bible verses that link so well to it. Very touching.

-Candace from Party Cake

I'm a full-time mummy said...

Hi Somewhere In Between!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the story! Thanks for your compliment on the blog layout, I downloaded it from Deluxe Templates website. I love it so much as it's kinda matched with my SAHM theme. Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest to you too! :)

Hey JaelCustomDesigns!
Thanks for following me. I'll check out your website after this and follow you too! :D

Hello Party Cake!
Happy to hear you enjoyed the story and the bible verses! Happy weekend! :D

Confessions From A Work-At-Home Mom said...

That email found its way to my inbox last year... I'm so glad to see it again. It's such a strong reminder of patience and family!

~Elizabeth
http://confessionsfromaworkingmom.blogspot.com

Montessori Moments said...

Cute Blog

(fellow SITS)

Montessori Moments said...

Thanks for sharing!

(SITS)

thirdy_smom said...

hi full-time mummy,

awwwww...this post melted my heart. i miss my Dad. =(

Unknown said...

Hey new friend...I have something for you over at my blog...

I'm a full-time mummy said...

Hello Confessions From A Working Mom!

Glad this article brings back memories to you!

Hi Montessori Moments!
Thanks for your compliment on my blog and glad you enjoyed the article :)

Hey thirdy_smom!
Ya... I miss my parents too. May God bless them and I pray they are up there watching over us... :)

I'm a full-time mummy said...

Hi 5thsister!

Oh wow! Thanks for the awards. I'm going to put it in my blog right after I reply this. Thanks a bunch! :D

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