Sometimes it is so easy to bring joy into lives. I’ve just come back from singing with the choir at a Nursing home at Basin View, which is part of our local area. Yes, I know I’m on about singing again because it is something I love to do and it is so easy.
We sang a selection of Christmas carols and songs as well as a number of popular songs from the years when the elderly residents were young- Songs like You made me Love You, If you were the only girl in the world, and Beer Barrel Polka. The elderly residents had a ball, as they clapped and helped us sing along with those songs they remembered.
When asked how long we should keep singing one person said ‘forever.’ What a joy to know that something as simple as taking time to sing a few songs can brighten someone’s day like that. In the giving out to others each one of us in the choir was blessed. I’m sure we all came away feeling special or as one guy told us, ‘you are all superb.’ That did wonders for the confidence of all those singing.
Okay, so I can hear some of you saying you can’t sing. But there must be something you are good at. It could be a craft (something I admit to being hopeless at). It could be just talking. Yes, talking. Taking time to visit a shut in neighbor or a nursing home or some other organization and getting to know people and just spending time with them. Some of these people can feel abandoned by family and feel the days are so long. A visitor certainly brightens up the hours and provides a diversion from the normal routine.
Or perhaps you might be able to help out with families where the parents are struggling to cope and would love some time to simply relax. Here in Australia, we have a group called Aunties and Uncles. These people are community volunteers who help out with families with children up to 12.
The volunteers provide first of all friendship and support as well as providing another role model for young people. Aunties and uncles will have their ‘adopted’ child come and stay for a weekend once a month.
In the area where I live, the Shoalhaven, the program has been in operation since 1993. Under the umbrella of CareSouth the aunties and uncle program operates in three areas – Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Eurobodalla areas. I’m sure a similar organization exists in America. Why not check out what is currently available in your area? And be alert to God’s prompting. Maybe God is calling you to volunteer in some capacity at a nursing home or with young people and bring joy into other lives.
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