Fun MondayWhat a wonderful idea, especially during this time of year when we are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the busy season that we tend to forget about those who are less fortunate than us, or those who may need a hand. One of the most important and least expensive gifts you can give someone is the gift of time.
On Sunday, a group of about 30 or more people from my church, including myself and my two girls went to some of the local shut-ins to deliver fruit baskets and sing some good ol' fashioned Christmas carols. Most of the shut-ins are members from our church who reside in retirement homes, but some live in old farm houses situated off the beaten path. It took a good 3-4 hours, including travel to deliver the baskets and sing carols. It was very touching to watch the expressions of the elderly people while we sang. Some of them cried, some sang along and some just squealed in delight and by the look in their eyes, you could tell that it meant everything to them to be remembered by their church family during the Christmas season. We definitely plan on doing it again next year....
Carley & Casey inside retirement home
Waiting outside another retirement home for someone to answer door
Our Pastor with one of the "shut-ins"
More "shut-ins" enjoy the singingI try to live my life by performing random acts of kindness on a daily basis. It is not something I plan out or think about. I simply live each day by being the best I can be and random acts of kindness just come naturally. I don't need a pat on the back - it is between me and God.
Please be sure to check out the other participant's "RAKs" here and have a blessed day!
14 comments:
The gift of time is so thoughtful and can mean so much to that certain person. I'm proud of you.
The gift of time is truly the best RAK anyone can give. I'm sure all of those people you encountered today will go to bed with a smile.
What nice pictures you added
:) to you
That was so touching. I think time is the best gift, especially in today's world. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. I love the photos as well.
Have a wonderful week!
Oh I remember going and adopting an elderly person at a local nursing home when I was a girl scout. I loved it, and as a kid watched the elderly people that we had adopted beam. What an amazing gift to all of the people you touched, but also to you as well. Or that is how I always feel.
I love singing carols for those who don't have a lot of company this time of year! I love the pictures that you used with the post. What a great memory for the kids too!
I love the pictures, it is just so sweet.
We went caroling, too! I love the idea of going to shut-ins homes though. Maybe we'll do that next year for our caroling outing!
I love to hear about caroling. Just last night my daughter asked me if anyone carols anymore...she remembers one year her Girl Scout troop went caroling. I was able to point her here and say, 'yes, people do still carol.'
Hi! My pretzels were from Meijer. They were the Meijer brand "holiday shapes" pretzels. I was lucky, they were actually the last bag on the display. There's pretzel bells in the mix, too! (I don't think any were in the picture)
That was lovely. Time may be hard to come by sometimes, but that makes it all the more precious when you give it away.
We don't have to do much to make people happy, especially the once who are sometimes forgotten by their families in retirement homes !
what a wonderful way to spend your day...it was also a gift to yourself.
What a great experience for young people to do something to connect with the elderly. So many don't have visitors so I'm sure this visit was a welcome break from their normal day. And, they do enjoy singing the old familiar carols.
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