Sometimes God has to hit us upside the head to get our attention. I know that is His M.O. with me. On my way to the nursing home this morning, I stopped to buy one of those mini steam machine contraptions. I won't bore and disgust you with the details but one of the recliners in my grandparents room required some deep cleaning. My goal was to get this thing bought, take Etta to her hair appointment, and then clean the chair while they are eating lunch. As I passed the little beauty shop, I poked my head in the doorway to let the beautician know I would be right back as I was going to go get Etta. To this, she told me she could not get to Etta until this afternoon. Confused, I questioned this as I had made an appointment. She then informed me that it was "first come, first served". Hmmmm. Well, seeing as she is locked in a dementia unit, she couldn't have gotten there ealier than the appointment time I was given. --Deep cleansing breaths---. I pondered the situation. Certainly I couldn't be here all morning and afternoon. I told myself, IT IS WHAT IT IS...and I began working on letting it go...
I proceeded to walk down the hall to Etta's unit. I could heard the sound of a piano and the singing of some good 'ol church hymns. As I turned the corner, I saw Etta sitting there with her hymnal packet in hand focused on singing along with the room full of other residents and guests. I unloaded my full hands and pulled up a seat next to her. I surveyed the room as I listened to the music and was flooded with emotions (yes, once again). Hardly anyone required the song sheets and nearly everyone was singing. I leaned over and kissed Etta's cheek when she took my hand into hers. Ok, Lord, I thought. This is FAR BETTER than getting a perm!
And we sang...
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
In an effort to hold back the tears, I looked away. My eyes fell upon Joyce, an elderly woman on the dementia unit. While she wasn't singing, she seemed so peaceful and so focused on the message in the song. No one visits Joyce. Not that I have ever seen. I wondered...does Joyce believe these lyrics? In that moment, I exchanged my grief for the burden of Joyce and I prayed silently for her...
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Amazing Grace...How sweet the sound....
I proceeded to walk down the hall to Etta's unit. I could heard the sound of a piano and the singing of some good 'ol church hymns. As I turned the corner, I saw Etta sitting there with her hymnal packet in hand focused on singing along with the room full of other residents and guests. I unloaded my full hands and pulled up a seat next to her. I surveyed the room as I listened to the music and was flooded with emotions (yes, once again). Hardly anyone required the song sheets and nearly everyone was singing. I leaned over and kissed Etta's cheek when she took my hand into hers. Ok, Lord, I thought. This is FAR BETTER than getting a perm!
And we sang...
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
In an effort to hold back the tears, I looked away. My eyes fell upon Joyce, an elderly woman on the dementia unit. While she wasn't singing, she seemed so peaceful and so focused on the message in the song. No one visits Joyce. Not that I have ever seen. I wondered...does Joyce believe these lyrics? In that moment, I exchanged my grief for the burden of Joyce and I prayed silently for her...
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Amazing Grace...How sweet the sound....