Thursday January 5th 2017
One of my favourite distributions with Mustard Seed Jersey in
Romania in December had to be at the one at the residential home for dementia
sufferers. What a great welcome they gave us and it was moving to see some of
the Beaulieu students really getting alongside the residents, holding their
hands, singing carols together, giving each one some one
to one attention. Students and residents alike all had smiling faces - it’s no wonder the residents didn’t want the students to
leave, and the students said the visit should have been longer.
Half way through the visit we gave each resident
their Christmas shoebox. Most needed a bit of help to open them. Each resident
received some socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, some writing materials and a soft
toy. The soft toys were the highlight - and each resident was thrilled with
theirs. Again so many smiles. One man put his on top
of his head delighted to see the photo of himself on my phone. One woman picked up hers and kissed it lovingly. Another woman stroked
the soft material then named the soft toy dog Jimmy and beamed with delight
when we stroked Jimmy.
Simple gifts that brought
great pleasure and many smiles.
Sometimes I believe our lives are too complicated
and stressed , we frown rather than smile. That visit
reminded me of the joy of simple things.
This time of year is a good time to plan changes. Why not
plan to make your life less complicated, and take time to enjoy the simple
things in life, even just to smile more.
Mother Teresa said Everytime
you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a
beautiful thing.
Have a good day and please try to SMILE more.