Dinner Topics for Tuesday
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you miss this free download window, you can borrow Epic Stories from library
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A Parable of Two Families
Once upon a time there was a huge fleet
of ships. The mission of the fleet, as
set forth by the Admiral of the Fleet, was to travel the Great Waters to the
Promised Land. The Admiral wanted to make sure that each ship reached its
destination safe and sound with its precious cargo— a family.
The Admiral gave each family the necessary resources
for success: one compass, one complete set of navigational charts, plenty of
food and money to sustain them throughout the voyage, and plenty of time to
finish the course, for the Admiral never issued a command unless he provided a
way for his fleet to accomplish the task.
Each family could have the size and type of ship
that would meet their needs. They were allowed extras as well, such as
computers and television. The Rutt family decided to get a very large new ship,
to have plenty of room for all the elegant new furniture Mrs. Rutt had just
purchased to impress Mrs. Neighbors. Mr.
Rutt and the children also had many possessions they wanted to be sure not to
leave behind. The Rockwell family decided to use the ship they already had, and
save their funds for the future. They did, however, bring along their library
of the greatest and best books. Soon all was ready, and. . .
The
Great Adventure Began
A long time passed.
When they set out on their journey, the families did not realize how
long it would take. But all the ships
sailed together, and there was great community among them, making the journey
enjoyable.
The Rockwell family enjoyed their many friends,
served families in other ships, and used their computer to increase their
knowledge and exchange information with other ships. But every night the entire family would eat
dinner and converse together. The family
studied and learned the navigation charts thoroughly so they would be prepared
for whatever lay ahead, and checked the compass many times each day.
Now, the compass was very special. It only worked according to their diligence
and faith, and to the heed they gave to their Admiral’s words. After their Dinner Talk, they used the television
for a family video, a symphony, or a class.
No member of the Rockwell family would think of missing dinner and
Dinner Talk. It was a sacred time for
the family. The Rockwell family kept a
steady course, and were happy.
The Rutt family also enjoyed their many friends.
They were glad there were so many parties to attend, because they had become quite bored with the passage of so
much time without reaching the Promised Land. When there was not a party, they
ate in front of the television, so they wouldn’t miss their favorite sitcoms,
and so they wouldn’t fight with each other during dinner. They passed the daytime hours watching
television. They chatted by the hour on
the Internet, so they wouldn’t have to talk to each other.
Then
a Great Storm Came
All the ships were tossed about on the waves by
powerful winds blowing from changing directions. Many ships were losing their way. The Rutt family panicked. Mrs. Rutt finally dug out the charts from
under boxes and piles of stuff they had accumulated over time. But they didn’t understand the charts. And the compass didn’t work. The TV broke, so there was nothing to do. Then the computer broke, so they couldn’t
communicate with other ships. They
looked out and saw no other ships around. They were lost.
The Rockwell family followed the compass very
carefully. At last, through the
darkness, they could see the welcome beam of the lighthouse that was shown on
the chart. They made it to a safe harbor
at the Promised Land.
Dinner Talk
Topic: *Family,
Choices
Epic Stories for Character Education, p.50, 51
if
you miss this free download window, you can borrow Epic Stories from library
any time at this same link.
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