I called a local assisted living facility to ask if our small group from church could play Bingo or other games with some of the residents.
“A few of them would like that, but do you sing?” the sweet lady who answered the phone asked.
“Well, my husband plays guitar, so we could sing some songs,” I said. We continued the conversation, making plans for our group to come one evening the following week.
So, we sang seven songs at a local assisted living facility a week ago and the kids handed out cards they made the previous week. As I stood with Rachel in the stroller behind four of our elementary-aged kids, I really liked my view of them and seeing the joy they brought to the Brookdale residents. I liked seeing them following the songs’ words with their fingers. Sure, interacting with people from their great-grandparents’ generation can be intimidating. I remember that being the case when I was young.
We aren’t called to a comfortable life.
For me, I’ve had to remind myself sometimes life is busy and tiring, but that’s not a very good excuse, really. Maybe the busyness is seasonal and there’s a light at the end of the month. Or maybe the busyness is self-imposed and priorities need to change. I’ve been a victim to both scenarios. I don’t always handle busyness right, but I do know there are certain aspects of life that are always worth the sacrifice.
Yes, giving your time is a sacrifice. We only have so much to give, so where we give it matters.
*****
I know I’ve mentioned it here before, but we started this new small group in January. We meet together each week and focus on local service. Sometimes we go places. Sometimes we meet at our house to study James (thanks to Francis Chan’s video series on RightNow Media) or do things for upcoming outings. We share meals and our lives.
God brought together people from our church, my kids’ school, our circle of friends, and our family to be in this group. Three churches are represented.
All of this to say, I really love what God is doing in our lives and community through this group.
Serving those near you is always worth it.
Sure, maybe you’re called to serve those far away too. But I know those near matter regardless of where you are. Your family. Your closest friends. Your kids’ friends. Your kids’ school. Your acquaintances. Your local community. Your interactions with strangers as you go about your daily lives.
Those people matter. That’s the truth my new small group has reminded me to grasp onto as we give our time to each other and those around us.
*****
I know sometimes it’s hard to think of ways to serve. During our first meeting in January, we brainstormed a list of ideas, some general and some specific. I thought I’d share some of that list with you.
- Volunteer at and collect items for the food pantry.
- Volunteer at and collect items for the crisis pregnancy center.
- Host Foster Parents’ Night Out events. {We have our second one coming up in April.}
- Collaborate with campus ministries.
- Make cards & meals for people in hard places.
- Serve treats to emergency workers. {We love this idea!}
- Sponsor families for Christmas.
- Provide Thanksgiving meals.
- Visit nursing homes & assisted living facilities.
- Help widows or elderly people with their yards.
- Make blessing bags.
- Have a bake sale to raise money for missionaries. {My oldest & her friends did this.}
What would you add to the list?
*****
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Kristin, this brought back the memory of the times I took middle schoolers to a nursing home. We did it several times a school year. It was amazing to see the interaction between the students and the patients. And I am not sure who enjoyed it more either 🙂 May God bless you and your small group as you seek to serve in new ways!
It’s always true – we go to serve others and end up being served in the process. I love how God doesn’t waste any moments. Thanks for being here, Joanne. Happy Wednesday!
So true, Kristin, that there’s always someone nearby who needs us, and that our willingness and availability can be our greatest gifts to God.
Smiling because our four boys used to take their puppets into a nursing home, and I’m not quite sure who enjoyed it more . . . the kids or the residents.
I love hearing everyone else’s nursing home stories today – that’s exactly what I want to happen on the porch! Thanks for being here, Michele!
My hubs and I used to go to a local nursing home every Sonday morning. I would lead praise and worship, with a guitarist and hubs would deliver a very short word of scripture/encouragement. By far, the music was their favorite – their faces would light up the room. I’ll never forget their faces. Love that your small group and kids did this. xo
About once a month, our family has been going to a nursing home where a few other people host a similar service as you used to do. We help push people in wheelchairs to the dining hall so they can go to church. It’s opened my eyes to a lot and pushed one of my kids out of the comfort zone while another has completely embraced it. God is so good to give us each other. xo
a great list and your kids will emulate your servant heart, you’ll see!
That’s my hope, Sue!
You’re so right! Serving is often a sacrifice of something we hold so dear….our comfort. God never called us to a comfortable life, but He did call us to love one another.
Grateful for the reminder today!
Thank you for your affirmation & encouragement today. I’m always glad to have you here, Becky!
Such a blessing you and the children were to those at the AL. Mama lived in 3 places over the 15 years I had her near. It was through those children that Mama had some of her most clear moments (in the Dementia-laden mind) and always loved to share them with me over and over again. Thank you for taking the time to share children with the elderly. I just read about a day care that is now sort of “embedded” in a nursing home…they rent a space in the same building and so have children there all of the time. It is working so well for all.
That’s neat about the nursing home and daycare teaming up – what a creative use of resources that ends up helping everyone. I love hearing about your mom – thanks for sharing & encouraging me with that story. I’m glad you’re here, Linda!
I love this! Watching intergenerational relationships unfold is such a beautiful holy act. I wish more people took time to serve those in their neighborhood, their family, etc. Jesus himself was the ultimate example of service picking up his basin and towel and washing the feet of all gathered that Last Supper. We can learn a lot from Jesus, cant’ we? 🙂
He’s the best teacher. 🙂 Relationships among the generations is important, but, like anything, it takes investing time into making it happen. I’m thankful we’ve seen the importance in that. Thanks for being here, Tara!
What a beautiful way to serve and model service for your kiddos. Love the list too – great ideas. xo
Thanks, Tiffany! xo
I used to dance at nursing homes with my studio and the joy it brought the residents is still with me. I need to start working with my kids more actively on serving instead of simply praying they would develop a servants heart.
What a great memory! Thanks for sharing that, Katie!