Younger hands gently holding older hands with a cozy sweater

Creating Sparks of Love Across Generations

Younger hands gently holding older hands with a cozy sweater

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11-12 (NIV)

My wife and I sang in a recent choir concert where the oldest singer was in her nineties and the youngest was a teenager, all in the same concert! While ninety-year-olds can’t play competitive soccer with twenty-year-olds, in music we discover one of the few “sports” where this is possible!

During fifteen years of nursing home ministry, I’ve also experienced firsthand how miracles occur when multiple generations sing, tell stories, and laugh together. For instance, I once played guitar for a duet of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” featuring a five-year-old and a ninety-five-year-old. The two thoroughly enjoyed themselves, by singing a timeless song that almost everyone knew, and all in attendance were blessed.

Later, during that same meeting, a first grader asked a long-retired college math teacher, who was now a resident of the nursing home, a math question that was challenging to the child. “What’s one hundred plus one hundred plus one hundred?” The former math professor played along, “Uh….is it three hundred?” 

Time after time, in nursing home ministry, I’ve seen residents literally light up with God’s love through bonding with younger people. Today, and every day, may we be ready and willing to be that spark for others–no matter how young or old.

One popular song from the 1970’s, “Pass it On,” says it well:

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And then all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it.” Kurt Kaiser 1969

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.


The Stigma Stops Here 🛑.

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2 responses to “Creating Sparks of Love Across Generations”

  1. pastorpete51 Avatar

    Kids are better than medicine, entertaiment, or money in the bank for seniors. I always love it when one home school group comes to sing at Life Care. Thanks for sharing these touching scenes.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. amorentreestrellas Avatar

    Que belleza! Me ha encantado completamente. Te mando un fuerte abrazo desde argentina!

    (How beautiful! I absolutely loved it. Sending you a big hug from Argentina!)

    Liked by 1 person

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