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 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 his 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, 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 more 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, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them then they’re gone.
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 your very best for God, 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.
We experienced lots of Blessings during the month of August in our Nursing Home services. Despite the fact that we were a little short handed at Lakewood, we had a wonderful service. Dorothy, a resident of Lakewood, sang with the worship team and also sang a special with Karl. Karl and Margie sang a special and they always do a nice job. The people at
The second Sunday, services were held at Salem Village and the residents are still talking about it. Lynda Downey, Ruth Johnson and Elaine Neuse brought the children from their Sunday School Class from
We also had a Missionary, Thomas Grief, and his families, who are headed to
Illiana Ponce played a piano special which is always beautiful.
We still serve cookies and tea at Salem and the residents continue to ask for more and more cookies. Something homemade is really special to them.
We had a full house at
THE DATE IS SET: October 4th @ 5:00 p.m. We will be having a dinner/singing fellowship, like the old time Camp meeting we had the end of last year. You do not want to miss this fellowship. We had seven churches represented at our last meeting and we had a wonderful time. Many people have asked us to; please have another one, so we are listening to you. Please come and bring your talents of song, musical instruments and testimony.
We will have chili and sandwich rings, just like last year. It is not a fund raiser; however, we need to offset the cost so we will have a box for you to drop in your contribution to go toward the expense of the dinner.
PLEASE NOTE: All contributions to our ministry should be made payable to “Sonshine Outreach Ministries”. You can mail them to c/o Joyce Mancke,
EXERCISE DAILY, WALK WITH THE LORD.
Our schedule for September is as follows;
Rosewood Rehab Ctr. –
Please come and join us, we need your talents. You will make a difference and God will bless you for it.
Respectfully submitted by Joyce Mancke, jmancke@sbcglobal.net. 815-351-7659
