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Financial Assistance requested
Children and Perceptions
Author Unknown
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 the 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 Papa and
Mama to eat their 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.
Make All Things Right with God The Goal and Process of Creation
Copyright © 1993-2001 by Father David C. Trosch - All Rights Reserved
Permissions granted for non-profit purposes.
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