Giving

I had the privledge of accompanying some of our youngest members to some of the local area nursing homes this past Saturday.  Our goal was to sing some carols and bring a little Christmas cheer their way.  We started at McCarthy Court's Homeplace.  The residents were gathered together awaiting our arrival.  As we entered the room, they broke out in smiles and applause.  We sang 12 carols.  Some of them sang along while some listened intently.  Before we left the applauded again and thanked us over and over for coming to sing for them.
Our next stop was Sterling House.   Some of the residents were still en route to the living area where we were going to sing.  This gave the children an opportunity to explore!  Of course they were interested in the decorations, the fish tank, etc.  But they were also interested in the men and women who were waiting.  A few of the children were able to engage in conversation with these residents.
We definitely accomplished our goal.  God's goal.  We gave something as simple as our time and it was an amazing gift to give.  The gift was twofold.  The recipients were ever grateful and it was apparent that our gift would linger with them.  The children and their parents were impacted as well.  We were reminded that it's not about the monetary, the material.  It's about what is given unconditionally from the heart.  And aren't we thankful for that?  After all, isn't that what Christmas is truly about?