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 t! he 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.

Wordless Wednesday

I feel like I’m in a funk with my job search.  After two very disappointing attempts, where I really thought I got the job, I’m just not ready to throw myself out there again.  I have another interview on Tuesday, but I’m really having a hard time getting excited about it.  I know that it’s really important that I do, though, as I know my enthusiasm is a strong part of my draw.  I’m just not sure how to get that mojo back.

I’ve started working on a new website and the header graphic turned out really well.  Part of me wonders if I should develop my business, since nothing else seems to be coming through right now.  I’m just not sure.  The money isn’t steady and part of me wants that security…but part of me hates the idea of being controlled by “someone else” for 40 hrs. a week.  Guess I’m a little gun-shy from my old job.  It just keeps getting worse and worse there…I’m glad I’m not there…but I don’t like being unemployed, either.  ugh…

I feel like I’m back to where I started when I first found out I was going to lose my job.  Do I want to work for myself or try to find a job in a field that I’m not really qualified in…at least by looking at my resume…in a really hard economic time?  I really thought this last one was “it”…it was pretty perfect for me.  Guess I have to trust that God knows best, since He sees the whole picture and I can only see what I can see right now.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  [Jeremiah 29:11]