As part of our plans for outreach this summer, we planned a trip to visit the residents at the nursing home. In preparation, we thought it'd be kind to have something to share with each of them. Something that could be left, remembered upon and treasured. Rock painting came to mind and as you can imagine, the kiddos happily agreed.
After setting out all of the supplies, gathering the kiddos and before beginning to paint we had a little talk about how we have the chance to share God's love with others. Every single day. We read Proverbs 3:27 ("Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act") and prayed over our rocks. Gabriella chuckled at the idea of praying for rocks but understood how God can do a work through anyone or anything.
Excitement was high when the day finally came to deliver the rocks to our friends at the rehabilitation center. Our dear friends, Ayla, Caleb and Ms. Emily, accompanied us on our visit. It was so special to share such precious moments with them. We gathered together in the hall before entering the first room and prayed, asking that God use us to share a little of His love and joy.
Despite a bit of hesitation fed from feelings of nervousness at first, it wasn't long until all five kiddos were leading the way, room to room greeting residents with wide smiles and excitement. So excited, in fact, we left the majority of our new friends' with a small garden of rocks rather than just one as intended. However, it couldn't have been any more perfect. Oh, the smiles on their faces; both the kiddos and residents alike. Priceless.
A little over half way through, we came across the activity room where there were quite a few of the residents getting their nails painted by volunteers. What a treat that was! The ladies were so excited for us to visit and were thrilled to show off their freshly painted nails with us.
Some of the residents initiated conversations with the kiddos asking them questions about their age, schooling and relationship to each other while other residents could do nothing other than look our way and smile. Either way, it was more than evident that each one of those five little smiling faces touched their hearts.
As I stood back watching our little ones trail those halls, I saw them not as our two, three, four, five and soon-to-be six year olds but as spiritual giants. Their massive amounts of generosity and impartiality paired with the tremendous amounts of courage they possessed...it was all far beyond admirable. Oh, that we could all replace our spectacles that have become warped by society and sinful nature and acquire the ones of a child.
Matthew 18:3 And Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
