The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee 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.

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.

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!


My sweet mom sent this to me today. It touched me to the point of tears. It is all so true! There are so many things in life that I have learned through trial and error and there is still so much for me to learn. I am so thankful for all that I have been blessed with! With this week being Thanksgiving I have been reflecting on all the many blessings that I enjoy in life. I am truly blessed beyond measure. I have a warm safe place to live. I have been provided the opportunity to go back to school and get and education. I have a network of people who love me and my sweet girl, who help us on a daily basis. I live in a wonderful family oriented neighborhood. I am part of an amazing ward family who provide me with strong testimonies to lean on during times when I am in doubt of what is right. I have a calling that allows me to interact with beautiful daughters of God who bless my life and make me want to be a better and more diligent follower of Christ. I have a family that I love more than words can ever express. I have a beautiful daughter who inspires me to better on a daily basis. She is my best friend and the bond between us can never be explained or defined. I have parents who love and support me through every decision I make, good or bad. My parents have become two of my best friends and mentors, I can talk to them about anything and everything without hesitation. I have two amazing sisters, Katie and Becca, who laugh and cry with me. I have an amazing brother in law who I love with all my heart and always make me feel welcome and accepted as part of his family. I have two nephews and a niece that I love to pieces. I have a step father, a step mother, and nine step brothers and sisters and their beautiful children that have given me the opportunity to learn how to expand my capacity to love.I have amazing Grandparents who have taught me some of life's most valuable lessons. I have an adopted mother, Sharon, who shows up when I am sick to take care of me and during some of my darkest hours, when my own mother can't and has truly kept me going for the past 3 years. I have Brad who blesses my home with his amazing "fix it" skills and priesthood power that has restored my faith on numerous occasions and who plays with Ava and gives her the "male" attention she craves. I have amazing women who care for and love Ava while I go to school and work. I have amazing visiting teachers and home teacher that show up every month without fail. I have friends who truly care about me. And most importantly I have a Father in Heaven who knows me inside and out and He will never stop loving me and watching over me no matter what I do! LIfe truly is a blessing! What are you thankful for today?