Abundant Love

Today, our pastor spoke about God SO LOVING THE WORLD, that He gave His only begotten Son, (Jesus).  We’ve often heard that if we just loved God more, we would be automatically serving others, giving generously and worship extravagantly.  But this morning’s message turned that on its head.  The bottom line: If you could only grasp HOW MUCH God loves you, it will then lead to all of the above.  I especially appreciated the 5 instances where Pastor Pernell pointed out how John the Apostle preferred to call himself: “The one whom Jesus loved.”   Hence, John’s love, service and worship were based on Jesus’ love for him, not John’s worked-for, works-based love for God.  John got it right and so can we. 

Serving a vulnerable population means putting yourself out there; loving people because I know that God loves them; advocating for others, because of their intrinsic worth in Christ- who loves us and gave Himself for us.  Honestly, it means I have nothing to lose if someone does not love me back; just like Jesus!  And, quite frankly, those living in The Home, (in long-term care), may not always be able to show gratitude or love in some grandiose way, but they sure know how to hug and smile and hold on to your hand so tightly that you can’t possibly leave.  That’s the mindset I want, as I visit in The Home.  That’s the kind of abundant love and life that Jesus speaks of when He said: “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10).  That’s the Saviour who I want to know more and more- meeting with Him in prayer and learning more of him through His word, the Bible.

Given that our prime motivation can be solidly based on God’s great love for us, how can we apply this to being a volunteer at The Home?  I’ve been thinking that a partial list may help you to consider spending some of your time volunteering there.  Looking at 5 domains, we’ll see that many modified programs provide opportunities for residents to enjoy and give exciting prospects for your participation.  We’ll look at a separate “Community Outings” list in our next post.  

The categories can be somewhat interchangeable, and my Mom has been pretty much game for anything.  Even though it has been difficult to see her change, because of Dementia, she can still participate in so many ways.  Her favourite activities – dancing and organizing items.

Physical:  Fitness classes, bowling, floor hockey, darts, pool noodle volleyball, giant Kerplunk, parachute, kickball, dancing, recycling, decorating, wheelchair rides, chores, walking group

Spiritual:  Church programs, Bible studies, choirs, meditation, yoga

Social:  Kitchen helpers, cooking, movies and popcorn, bingo, lunch groups, Spa days, Happy Hour, dance groups, painting, quilting, knitting, monthly birthday parties, special meals where family members   join their loved one: Christmas, Easter, Valentines, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day.  Lip Syncs.  Yes, The Home where Mom is living has had a Christmas Lip Sync for the past few years!

Emotional:  Music therapy, pet visits, singing, live music, manicures, Day-Care visitors, meal-time, holding someone’s hand, singing one-on-one, reading old stories, showing old pictures, campfires

Intellectual:  Reading group, puzzles, crosswords, writing letters, trivia, scrapbooking, arts and crafts, painting, Pictionary, card games, organizing, sorting, newspaper discussions

It is hard to imagine that you could not find some way to help!  You would be part of a team and soon enough, you would feel that both the residents and the staff are your extended family. 

Will you find out just how much God Loves You? 

And will you invest His love, by visiting at The Home?