appreciation

The Wooden Bowl

Backstory

This episode is not original. It was related by a storyteller; those folks who face their audience with nary a teleprompter in sight and narrate their tales. Wish I knew the name of the storyteller, to share with you.

The Wooden Bowl

The frail old man could no longer live alone. He moved in with his son and his family. But things got off to a rocky start.

The old man’s hands trembled and his eyesight was blurred. When the family ate dinner together, food fell off his silverware. He spilled his milk. He dropped plates.

The son’s wife was irritated with the mess. Finally, they decided to set a small table in the corner where Grandpa could sit alone. This would keep everyone else from being annoyed by him as they ate. To avoid broken dishes, food was served at the little table in a wooden bowl.

His 8-year-old grandson thought he saw tears in the old man’s eyes at mealtime, but he made no objection. One evening the parents noticed their son busily at work with some pieces of wood.

“What are you making?” the father asked. The boy responded, “I’m making bowls for you and Mama to have your food in when you live with me when I grow up.”

The parents were speechless as tears welled up in their eyes. That evening the man’s son went over to his father’s place at the little table and took his hand. He gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days, the old man ate every meal with his son’s family. And for some reason, it didn’t seem to matter anymore when a fork was dropped, a drink spilled, or a tablecloth soiled.

P.S. I found that this story has been attributed to Tolstoy and also the Brothers Grimm. A compendium of tales from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries lists this tale as being in circulation since 1535. It’s a pleasure to feature it here, yet again.

[Show #365]

Acknowledge Inspiration

Backstory

The day started off badly. The weather was awful. People arrived at the lecture site cold and wet and cranky. No one expected the result to be the inspiration that was created.

Acknowledge Inspiration

Recently I mentioned talking with folks at Bayse Library on Bridges to Life Planning. The session was very participative and toward the very end one woman had a confession to make.

She told us she almost hadn’t come out that morning. It was a dank and dreary day; like her life at that point, she told us. She was having a hard time. She said, “I really think it was divine inspiration that brought me here today. After hearing what you all had to say, I know I can make it.” We all saw her countenance change right before us.

That lady was indeed determined to make a go of it, and it was like she got the incentive from the energy in that room. Wow, what a gift she gave to us all! To let us know that our thoughts and ideas made an impact that one person’s life might now be better because we had gathered to share.

She gave us another lesson too. When someone inspires you, let them know. Say out loud what you’re feeling in your heart. There can be no greater gift than the compliment that is spoken not just thought.

Bless the giver and the receiver both, as that woman did on a rainy Saturday morning in Bayse, Virginia.

P.S.

As a young wife and mother, I was frequently inspired by Millie. She was the epitome of a gracious hostess, understanding mother, dedicated wife and loyal friend. I wanted to be just like her.

Half a century later, Millie receives frequent notes from me. She has forgotten who I am, but my notes are always full of my admiration and appreciation. Her daughter said Millie’s eyes light up when she hears from “that nice lady out there” who thinks she is pretty special.

[Show #15]

Sisters

Backstory – Sisters

One of my sister friends had just shared good advice. I so appreciated her new eyes on my issue. It wasn’t the answer, but it gave me a whole new perspective to come up with my own solution. Her support and involvement inspired this week’s story.

Consider This Show – Sisters

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Who are the sisters in your life? – #319

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A sister is never farther away than needing her can reach.

She can be a blood relative . . . or a sister through marriage or someone who has become like a sister, over time.

The women in your life are there to laugh with you, and cry with you, to cheer when you rise and soften the blow when you fall – – – loving without judgment or envy or blame.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley’s rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley’s end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you….or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters. mothers, aunts, nieces, grandmothers – they all bless our life!
And as the years go by, that bond means even more. It becomes more precious each day. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can rewind it – with help from the sisters in your life.

Don’t take them for granted. Cherish them. Tell them how you feel about them, and how they make you feel.

Don’t let another week go by without sharing with them, how much you love them and appreciate them.

[Show #319]

I Bought Gifts

Sometimes your gifts to children just don’t work. You enjoyed shopping for them, but it was clear they were not well received. Are you disappointed when they aren’t gracious in their response? Or do you just chalk it up to being out of touch with what young people want these days. See if you recognize yourself in these reflections.

Show #528