Disciples of Christ

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Perhaps you’ve heard the story of the frail old man who 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 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.

Oftentimes, our actions speak volumes to those around us about how to treat others. And sometimes it says good things to others about how they should act or behave. But there are also times when our actions send bad messages and cause people, or in this case a young person who takes it to heart. Be careful how you treat others. Somewhere, I’ve read that we should treat others in the way we wish to be treated.

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor Skip French

1500 Forest Hills Blvd (Hwy 279)              479 . 855 . 2780         Bella Vista, Arkansas 72715

Monday Musings are e-mailed weekly to the congregation's email group.

The weekly Monday Musings are published in Bella Vista weekly newspaper.

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Peace & Blessings,

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