Don't Forget

Today was our last work day on our Mission Trip. Tomorrow we get to have fun by going to the zoo and having a community picnic.

The house got finished being painted today and the can goods were all put in the correct places for the food pantry. That left us with a little free time so we decided to go to the local nursing home and have a visit with the residents there.

Again our kids stepped up to the plate and made us proud. They got right in there and sang and talked and read to the elderly folks, who had just finished lunch and were ready to have a little entertainment.

I was with a few girls that helped me wander into some of the rooms where these folks couldn't or wouldn't leave their rooms. We had some small talk with some but actually got to sing for one sweet lady. 

As we were starting to wind down with the visit, I wandered off by myself for a little bit and met a forlorn little lady that wanted to be pushed back to her room. So I did. On the way back she confided in me that maybe she had had an accident. So I found a nurse and ask her, when she got a chance, could she please come help my new friend. While we were waiting for the nurse we got to talking about a bunch of stuff.

One thing that came out was that she couldn't understand why God was keeping her alive. She said " I don't have anything to give to anyone any more except being a burden". Made me sad for her. I told her that one thing she did for me was to make my day complete by my just getting to learn from her history. She smiled at that. I hope I helped her to feel a little more appreciated.

Our kids seemed to understand what this time did for these wise and maybe a little forgetful people, who have gone before us and paved our way to a better world. I think they realized how sad and forgotten most of them have become. Maybe it will help them as we move back into our daily routines to maybe want to stop at the nursing homes in our area and spread a little happiness there too,

It shouldn't have to be just our youth, though, who are responsible to be there for these neglected citizens. All of us should remember that our elderly need our love and definitely our respect, for all the living they have done. To be sure, they have a lot to teach us if we listen.

Scriptures have something to say about this....

The elderly are easily forgotten, especially those without caring families. The church is called to honor those who have been faithful servants by maintaining relationships with them and helping them when they are in need.

1 Timothy 5:8B

The Voice (VOICE)

I hope my sweet little lady went to bed tonight a little happier for our time spent together today. I know I will.

Blessings!

Green Beans

"Can I have some green beans?" That is what a small boy ask me today.

I know tons of people who don't even like green beans or could just take them or leave them. Most of us, probably, take it for granted that we can go to our pantries and get out a can if we want some or snap some fresh ones, if we so desire.

This little boy, today, had huge, gorgeous brown eyes.  You should have seen how wide they got when I told him he could have as many cans of green beans as he wanted. He actually started tearing up, which of course got me to doing the same.

How blessed are most of us?  We usually have all the food we want. Probably more than we need. We don't even think about this gift from God that we have. This ability to feed ourselves whenever we are hungry.

The mission trip that our youth are on this week has really been an eye opening experience for the adults and even more importantly, our kids.  

Feeding the people was something that was so close to our Savior's heart. He wanted to fill folk's souls as well as their stomach's. Christ showed so much care and love everywhere He went.

At the beginning of this week the Bishop spoke to the youth about this very subject and read to them this scripture.....

Matthew 25:40

The Voice (VOICE)

40 I tell you this: whenever you saw a brother or sister hungry or cold, whatever you did to the least of these, so you did to Me.

As we sat and listened to him speak that night, I know we were inspired by his words. But I don't think we realized just how close they were going to hit home for us, this week. 

It is so amazing how God puts us right where He wants us and then uses us for His purpose. The angels who run this pantry and lunch program have definitely been used by God for their community! And now, even if it has been just been for a little while, we have been lucky enough to get to have a small part of His plan, for this community, too!

That little boy also grabbed some fruit and pasta and even some corn, but he left with a whole bag of green beans and the hugest smile on his face. 

I hope that I never forget this day. I hope I never forget the joy on his face. But I hope, most of all, that this child saw a little bit of Christ's love in the smile on mine. 


Blessings!