Have you spent time with your grandparents or great-grandparents? Or have you visited a nursing home to volunteer? Or spent time with any elderly person or even helped them with their groceries? Have you opened a door for them or even given them a smile when they cross your path?
All of these questions I am asking you, I have asked myself too. And the sad thing is that I can say no to most of these questions. I try and give smiles to all people and even help with opening the doors. But the other ones I can say no I have not done much. I am asking these questions because this month my ministry is visiting this nursing home and my eyes have been opening up each day I go.
I have learned that all the times I got a chance to spent time with my grandmother I am happy I did because she has been my only grandparent I grew up with. My grandpa died when I was 6 or 7 years old and my other grandparents passed before my brother and I were ever in the picture. However, each time I got to spend with her I felt special. Our relationship was not perfect; we have definitely had our up and down moments too. Since her passing, all I can remember is the good and I realized towards her last days I saw in her eyes that she has always loved me and thanked me for everything I have done for her.
Upon entering this nursing home I was truly scared and I thought, “Man, I wish I would have a different ministry this month.” But oh no, my Father is good because I love every minute going to the home and just sitting with them. The language barrier is not in the way, because all these people want is to have someone sit next to them and let them talk and hear their stories. An occasional nod here and there is perfect so they know you are still listening. A hug and kiss will go a long way too, but the fact that they are being noticed is all they want. Another fact is that sometimes their own loved ones do not visit them.
I understand it is hard to go into a nursing home and see people in a certain condition. So I would like to challenge you this month, just for a month, or more depending how you feel after you do this challenge. I want you to volunteer at a nursing home and go visit the elderly. All you need to do is read them a story, play card games or any game, and just sit with them to hear their stories. Their stories are part of our history and we can still learn from them. We can understand their past and maybe ask what they have learned, because every story has a lesson to teach us.
I have taken this challenge this month and I LOVE it.
