Busy? Tired? Don’t give in to the excuses
Blog written by Major Bill Cox, co-leader of The Salvation Army in Duluth, Minn.
Recently I joined a group of gracious Salvation Army volunteers as they took time to visit with senior citizens living in a Duluth-area nursing home. These volunteers visit with local seniors regularly, sometimes bringing small gifts or performing short musical programs. I was probably too busy with other things to go with, but I tagged along anyway.
I’m glad I did, because the seniors I met touched me deeply. One of them was a birdwatcher. He only had the luxury of one window to spot birds and enjoy the beauty outside. I prayed, “Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to meet such a rich fellow, who has not lost the joy of simplicity.”
I also met a woman, not much older than me, who had been confined to her bed for a long time. Despite her situation, she wore a beautiful smile on her face. When I pressed for the secret to her joy, she said, “God is in charge, and I am along for the ride.” At that moment I prayed, “Forgive me, Lord. May I learn to radiate that woman’s same confidence.”
Later, I met a young woman who was in tears, sitting next to her mother’s bed. I asked, “Are you okay?” She replied that her mom was descending into dementia, was not responding to her, and was sometimes even mean to her. Having gone through the same experience with my father, I was able to encourage the woman, hold her hand , and pray with her.
My most profound experience repeated itself over and over. Many of the rooms I walked past had bare walls and empty shelves, with no pictures, cards, or mementos of any kind. The individuals in the rooms sat all alone, staring off into space.
When I walked past those rooms, I thought, If not me, who else will answer the call? Who else will hold their hand, talk to them, or read to them? Who else will show them someone cares?
Prior to joining the volunteers at the nursing home, I had made a long list of excuses in my head regarding why I couldn’t go: I was already exhausted. I had paperwork to do at the office. I am an introvert with weak social skills.
Thankfully, I prayed about it and joined the volunteers anyway.
This experience taught me something thoroughly important: Do not give into the excuses of why you can’t serve. Respond with a willing heart. There is no greater joy than giving of yourself to others, wherever and whenever you can.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.