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

         

    

      Good morning sweet friends, I pray your morning is filled with sunshine and that the day will be one  that allows you to feel loved, appreciated and filled with the spirit of our Lord and Savior.

In prayer this morning as I sat out in the wonderful, glorious, sunshine, watching the snow quickly melt away, I thought how amazing change is, yesterday the roadways were horrible, the downpour of rain turned into a winter snow storm, the winds howled, highways were shut down, several avalanches around us, and it was bitter cold...this morning the snow is quickly disappearing, the wind has laid down and the sunshine is amazing. What a blessing that there is change each day in our lives. I thanked God for all of the blessings in my life to include you and your friendship, to include the support you give me in reading my writings each day and letting me know that they touch your heart from time to time. I prayed fervently for all of the babies who are in the hospital struggling to gain strength and be able to come home to their families, for my friends daughter battling with the left effects of being struck by a vehicle so many month ago, for those who are suffering disease and for the elderly. I asked God to bless each of us with peace in our hearts, calm in our minds, and comfort in our bodies today that we might get up, get out and make a difference to someone in need! Thank you Father for loving me, for willing me to be the best that I can be and for allowing me to see where there is need and giving me guidance as to how I can be the most effective. In the name of Jesus Christ I lift these prayers for special delivery. Amen. 

Ever since my daughter was a young child she has always had such a love and gentle heart with the elderly, she always said she wanted to be an "old people doctor" when she grew up, that she wanted to make them all better when they were sick, she did not go on to be a doctor but she did become a recreational therapist and spent a very long time bringing much joy to many. I am so blessed to know that when I am old, "wearing my  purple hat" and "away from my faculties" that I will have someone who has nothing but kindness and compassion in my life. Today's writing is a beautiful one and one that really made me think. I hope you enjoy it!!!

   

    

 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 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.