It was one of those rare naturally teachable moments, not just for our grandson, but for our entire family. We were all in the kitchen preparing to serve lunch. Both our daughters-in-law were busy doing all the little things it takes to get our five grandchildren ready to sit down to eat Christmas lunch. The grandchildren range in age from 15 months to 13 years, so that means preparing everything from sippy cups to picky eaters’ requests for what has not been prepared. Pizza is always a favorite request though I explained that would not be on today’s menu.

I always decorate my table early in December for a breakfast I have for my close friends, a tradition for the past fifteen years. Following the breakfast, I replace the name cards with the ones for each member of the family and leave everything decorated until our Christmas dinner together. I love making everyone feel special so I put out the best china and crystal. It is a great contrast to the paper plates and plastic cups we normally put out when serving one of our hurried food fests.

Our oldest son helped the little ones find their marked places. It was quite a noisy affair, with cousins who had not seen each other in a few months all talking at the same time. I had my head in the fridge, getting out some milk, when I heard, “We want food, we want food!” I looked up to find four of the youngest ones with fork and knife in hand beating them up and down on the decorated table. Our son began gathering the crystal glasses and the knives and forks, saying, “I don’t think we better leave these on the table!”

Suddenly our seven year old grandson Joshua yells out, “Pawpaw, you and Grannah are rich!” We all stopped what we were doing at the declaration. “Why do you say that?” my husband asked. “Because Pawpaw, you and Grannah have gold forks and spoons. You must be rich!”

Once we had our round of laughter, Pawpaw seized the moment to tell him that the tableware was only plated, not real gold. Then he added, “Joshua, you are right. Pawpaw and Grannah are rich, not because we have gold forks and spoons, but because we have great gifts from God ... an incredible family and you five wonderful grandchildren." We replaced the gold flatware and china with paper plates and plastic cups. Then, we clasped hands, and thanked God for how truly rich in blessings we are.

Copyright © by Sharon L. Patterson