A Haven From My To-do List
Generally being a Type-A person with a long list of things I need to get done and rushing from here to there in a frenzy, I can start to see our monthly convalescent home visit as another item on my to-do list. But once I enter the doors of Mission Convalescent Home, it's like I'm transported into another world, where things are very clear and the people in front of me are the most precious, important things in the world. When I'm there, I have one job: to be faithful to the person in front of me with some simple attention and care. It doesn't take special skills to say “hello”, make eye contact, hold a hand, and just to be with.
At least half of the residents are unable to hold a continuous conversation, but even then, just sitting together, singing/clapping to songs means something. And it is such joy when you discover that someone unable to speak, whom you are merely nice to and talk to for months without getting a response, finds a channel to respond. Last week, I put a rattle in Virginia's hand and she shook it to the music with creative rhythm that demonstrates she is alert and much more musically talented than most of us.
No matter how long the list of things to get done, I never want to leave the home. It's always hard to tear myself away from the precious people there. And no matter how tired I was before, I always leave the home refreshed and more alert, even burdened by how some of the residents are doing. I am so thankful for the privilege to be part of their lives and be a reminder of God's love to them. But I think I am the one most blessed by these visits, when I finally lose myself and get a taste of the freedom of not thinking about me--the way God meant for me to live.