FOODFORTHOUGHT

F O O D F O R T H O U G H T

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.

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.

PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold;
Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful;
cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak;
strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill
them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours;
possess them always and only for yourself." (Prayer of Augustine, 354-
430)

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# posted by F O O D F O R T H O U G H T @ 6:25 AM 0 comments