Christmas Caroling Edition
I’m linking up with Seven Quick Takes at This Ain’t the Lyceum for some thoughts about Christmas caroling.
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The darkness descends early this time of year, and I confess to dreading leaving the house at any time after 5:00 p.m. But, caroling is traditionally a nighttime thing, so I braved the darkness twice in three days for two caroling events, one hosted by my daughters’ 4H Club and another by my son’s Cub Scout Pack. We visised an assisted living center and a nursing home.
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Music is a gift from God, plain and simple. I can’t imagine my life without it. From church hymns to ballet music to pieces I played on the piano and organ, live concerts, rock, country, and carols, music is not only a joy in the moment, but is a key to so many memories and associations. The elderly folks at the assisted living center and nursing home we visited sang along with the beloved carols and songs they’d likely learned in their youth. (Note to carolers: “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” lacks luster when you eliminate the figgy pudding, and next to no one knows the words or melody to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”)
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Caroling is not about skill or ability. It’s about heart. Assemble novice instrumentalists who have never played together before and males and females of all ages with varying degrees of vocal skill and reading ability, and you’ll get a joyful noise for the Lord! And that’s really all it takes. No ones cares if you muffed a cord or slurred a word.
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Your present is your presence. Cute and cliché, but true. It’s not about performing, it’s about your being there. Trust me, if you bring children into a facility caring for elderly people, they could warble their way through that hippo song in #2 above, and no one cares. It’s about taking time from your busy life to spend some time with those who may not receive many visitors or who are unable to get out much, if at all.
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Soft, cuddly critters make great therapy. Some of the 4H kids bring their small animals for residents to hold – rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens. I will never forget watching an elderly lady take a rabbit and clutch it to her chest. (Don’t tell my kids, but I really want both a couple of guinea pigs and a dog.)
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You have to see with eyes of faith to see value in persons when they’ve completely relinquished what society values most: usefulness. Depending on the level of care needed at the facility or residence you visit, you and your kids may encounter some people who seem to be locked in their own worlds, asleep, oblivious, or uncomprehending. What value are they to their loved ones or to anyone? If you judge only by what they accomplish, not much. If you can look deeper at these souls beloved by Jesus – same as you and me – you’ll see their value is inestimable.
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Let me be honest. If these caroling trips were not arranged by the organizations my kids participate in, we would’t have gone. It’s good to be involved with people, groups, and causes that give us opportunities to serve.
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