Today I had the privilege of serving a room full of senior citizens in Concord with a group of ladies from Bible study. We joined hearts and hands to serve fruit, yogurt, sandwiches, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and tea. The room was decorated for the Chinese New Year. Lively music was played and there was an “emcee” who wore a fake chicken on her head, in honor of the year of the rooster, while singing…What a hoot!
There were several guests who didn’t speak English but we were able to communicate well enough to get them what they wanted.
The staff at the Monument Crisis Center was very organized, friendly and happy to put us to work.
A surprise to us was that the volunteers were asked to do the “Chicken Dance” to help the seniors get out of their chairs and get moving before Bingo time!! The seniors were standing up, clapping, smiling and some were even taking pictures of us dancing! Wonderful! (wink)
I always love the opportunity to serve. It is such a good reminder to:
- Be thankful
- Remember the less fortunate
- Share love
- Extend dignity to others
My favorite part of today was kneeling down to hear the story of a woman who moved here from the Philippines 30 years ago. She was 80 years old, does yoga twice a week, and doesn’t look a day over 70. I believe that when we slow down long enough to hear people’s stories, we become more human.
There was no mention of God, no time of prayer, no Bibles opened, but I know that God was there with us. I know that Jesus’ love was displayed as we extended love through His hands and feet today.
Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
