A Merry Heart

God knows, we all have a trust problem.  That’s why Proverbs 3:5,6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Acknowledge the Lord in all of your ways and He will make your paths straight.” 

Visiting with Mom the other day, I saw she was comfortably dressed and pretty as a picture with her earrings, and a lovely necklace.  When she heard who was coming home for a visit, she said: “Hooray! The gang will all be here and we’ll go out dancing and play Crokinole!”  Her carefree spirit is a commendation to her character but also a recognition that staff in The Home are taking care of her.

You know, it is a team effort to continually love, embrace, and qualitatively enhance someone else’s life. Whether it be a gentle sweeping-back of the hair from someone’s face, an affectionate kiss on the cheek, steering someone to the washroom, tucking someone into bed, cleaning up a mess, assisting at meal times, or setting a ball-cap aright, these actions go a long way. I have seen staff do all of these and oh, so much more. 

For sure, we need to address problems in The Home; being an advocate is essential to someone’s well-being.  Sadly, though, we default to the old saying: “While good news is putting her boots on, bad news is already down the road.”  Why not focus on a different proverb: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

This week, will you encourage a staff member in The Home?  By all means, do not let concerns go unnoticed.  However, kindness and courtesy will go a long way in resolving situations, and you, the one you are visiting, and the staff will all benefit from trusting the Lord.