I come from a music-loving family. We regularly sang around the piano together and quite often met up with church members to sing hymns at retirement homes. On one occasion I remember singing a solo while my mom accompanied me on the piano:
“there’s something quite peculiar about this world of ours,
sometimes we live in sunshine bright,
sometimes we live in showers,
but if you would keep happy when things are looking bad,
just lift the corners of your mouth and make believe you’re glad!
and smile! smile! smile! and keep right on a smiling…”
I remember exaggerating my smile while I sang.
I’m still not sure who gets the bigger blessing when we do things like this. Yesterday, a group of parents and their kids joined to sing carols to the residents of our town’s retirement home. I didn’t count, but I’m guessing there were 15-20 kids, all playing egg shakers, tambourines, maracas or drums and some singing. The older ones made cards to give to the residents after we sang. We handed out beaded wreaths and candy canes and said Merry Christmas! They were grateful and we were blessed in the giving.
The Bible says,
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Psalm 11:25
We sang Joy to the World, Go Tell it on the Mountain, The First Noel, Silent Night, and others, ending with Feliz Navidad. We reminded them of the real reason for celebration — Jesus!! And then we visited for a few minutes, showing off the babies and wishing them joy. We just hope that we brought some cheer into their lives and a reminder that people care, people love.
God cares. God loves. And He demonstrates himself through us. Praise Him!
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Psalm 105:2
Have you taken your kids to sing at a retirement home?
Do you feel like the giver sometimes is blessed more than the receiver?
Oh, Laura we did bless them. When I was showing off my babies the ladies kept telling me to come back. And kept saying thank you. They loved the music and the little people. Thanks for arranging it.
Oh I love this! I grew up going to the nursing home every year to sing and hand out cards and candy canes and whatever else…It was such a blessing to me. Yes, my son deserves to have that memory, too….
When I was a youth leader in youth group, back many years ago, we would take our group to local rest homes and minister in song. It always brought a smile to my face to see the faces of the residents become alive with the love and joy of the season.