Blessed To Have Family-Finally

2 Corinthians 1:3 -4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

The nursing home I worked at before retiring is still going strong and I personally believe, one of the best around to this day. I keep in touch with the people there, many have retired. Yet many I had hired as young men and women are still working there. I started a program way back for all the residents to receive presents from “Santa’s helpers” and the gifts were given out during a luncheon and holiday entertainment. This was part of the program. There were many in there who had “no family” and therefore no visitors. Sure, volunteers came in which was wonderful, yet there was so many hurting from lack of “contact.”

The program I started was “adopt a resident.” And what it was is as it indicates. People interested in “adopting” a resident would become a “family member” and do all things associated with being a family member. Giving presents at Christmas, their birthday, visiting them on a regular basis, etc.  It took off and the residents who were “lonely for family” and depressed thrived! They looked forward to it and truly enjoyed their “family members.” It was so touching. Of course, there were cognitively impaired individuals who didn’t realize they were alone. But these individuals, were being cared for by “family” and actually enjoyed the interactions.

Psalms 119:76  Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

This was a very beneficial program, that I am happy to say still works.  And those who didn’t know Jesus, many came to know Him by the “family” visiting. During visits that would be a topic some would want to know about. It became a group meeting with the “adopted family members” who met on Saturday mornings. Breakfast was served and they would all pray together and spend valuable precious time with each other. It was fabulous!  When a resident passed away the “family” members mourned and made the arrangements for their services.

God said, take care of the widows. Most of them were widows. God wants us to care for the sick. All of them were sick– physically or mentally. God said to love one another. They were very much loved.

Doing these things was quite rewarding for those involved in the “adopt a resident” program. As for myself, I was overjoyed and over the moon with how it evolved, and especially pleased to know this is still happening as I write.

Adapting and incorporating the doctrine of Christ into our lives can be handled in various ways. It can be applied in circumstances such as the program I explained. Or it can be within your community, your church, your neighborhood. We just need to tap into the spirit which dwells within all believers, and look to the LORD for ways to make a difference in life.

Isaiah 40:1–  Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

One thing I will remember for the rest of my life is seeing those faces in the nursing homes light up when their “adopted family” would show up. I witnessed their health stabilize, and their demeanor change drastically for the better. I’ve seen the love in their eyes, and the joy in their hearts.

Is there someone you know that has no family? Is there someone who is going to be alone for Christmas? Even just dropping off some warm socks, or a tin of homemade cookies or fruit can promote the well-being of that individual. The gesture will say, “I think you are someone special, and I want to give this to you because I care.” I tell you right now, it’s the most amazing feeling to give and know that you’ve made someone happy.

“Father, I pray for those who are alone this Christmas, and all the days of their lives, I pray that they will have someone to visit, hold their hand, and sit with them awhile, and I pray that I will always find time, and be guided by Your light and love to help those in need, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”