The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27a (NKJV)
It should have been easy-peasy–leading and singing patriotic songs, just before the 4th of July. But I croaked like a frog on the high notes and was hoarse enough to be half my normal volume.
One of the nursing home volunteers said, “We can hear your guitar, but not your voice.” So, I sang as loud as I could, still croaking out the high notes. One of the residents said, “Roy Rogers can’t sing today.” This was a reference to how Nancy and I always close our sing-along with the song Happy Trails. Frankly, that day it felt like the title could have been Happy “Trials,” because, while everyone else was enjoying themselves, I was struggling to lead the songs.
I’ve been singing and making music for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a big part of my life, yet lately, for some reason, I can’t do it so well anymore. A big part of me, that has always been there, is sometimes now missing.
For a finale I stepped closer to a line of wheelchairs and walkers, launching into the old gospel hymn Send the Light. The words fit:
🎶Let us not grow weary in the work of love, Send the Light! Send the Light.🎶
The warmth of the Holy Spirit enveloped me, as I closed my eyes and sang. For the first time that day, I wasn’t concerned about what the audience thought. I sang to the Lord.
Many of the residents and workers were appreciative and thanked me again for coming. “I’m glad you didn’t have to buy tickets.” I quipped. “I would’ve asked for a refund.”
Driving home I realized that how I felt this one day is how many senior adults feel every day. Things that were once easy for them are now much harder or even impossible. “How do you keep going, when it’s hard to keep going?” That’s a question I plan to ask a few senior friends of mine real soon.
Though much is taken, much abides.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
This piece was first published in the Sunshine Weekly Newsletter, a publication which is shared in nursing homes and assisted living centers. A special thank you to Peter Caligiuri, aka “Pastor Pete,” for inviting me to contribute a monthly column! Peter blogs at praise2worship.net
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
#mentalhealthmatters
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