Thankful and Blessed
Our choir often sings for residents in several long-term care facilities in our community. This is both a sad and joyful experience for us. I confess that sometimes I dread going. After a long and busy week, Sunday School and morning worship, I’m tired on Sunday afternoons. But, I’m always so grateful afterwards, because of the blessing I receive from the delightful residents.
Although we sing because we see this action as a way of serving our Lord by caring for His children, we receive more than we give.
The residents are so appreciative of our presence and our meager gift of music.
Most of the time we sing hymns, but yesterday we sang Christmas Carols–even though we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet! December is such a busy month at our church, we must start early.
But, we also are very much aware that this is the season of Thanksgiving. At the nursing home, we spoke to a dear friend, now confined to a bed and a wheelchair. She didn’t bemoan her fate.
She spoke of blessings.
- Her happy childhood and her family.
- Her home (the long-term care facility) and how well they care for her.
- She spoke of going to her heavenly home.
- She spoke of happiness–that happiness is not a given, it’s a choice.
She is thankful…
And wise…
Happiness is not a given, it’s a choice.
It made me think, of course, of the many blessings for which I am thankful. What should I do to express my gratitude?
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness through all generations. Psalm 100:1-2, 4-5
I love to sing. I’m thankful my Lord gifted me with the ability to sing–to bring joy to others–to sing praise to my God. But, to be encouraged by God’s word to sing to his glory–how awesome is that?
I’m continually amazing by the joyful spirits of the residents we sing to. The Lord is near to them.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
For the most part, the residents are rejoicing. They are gentle and kind. They are thankful.
They share their love with us.
They are at peace.
Oh, to have that Spirit of our Lord Jesus!
What are you grateful for in this season of joy and thanksgiving?
Wishing you blessings, my friends.
Singing is a wonderful way to share love.
Yes! And it’s so wonderful when the residents sing with us. There’s something special about Christmas Carols, I think we retain them longer in our memory banks. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wonderful post! I found the same thing to be true when I was involved in short-term missions trips to some very impoverished countries. We went to serve but the people gave us so much back, spiritually out of their abundance and materially out of their meagerness. It’s amazing!
All part of God’s plan! When we serve in the spirit of God’s love, He multiplies it and gives it back. You’re right, it’s AMAZING! Happy Thanksgiving!
Precious post. And, I love that even when these folks struggle with dementia, not knowing all the details, they remember every word of the songs that they sing.
Thy word have I hid in my heart….
Yes, Jeanne, you are right. The residents may not seem to be aware, but when we start to sing, their lips are forming the words to the familiar carols. Oh, what a blessing!