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 🛑.

#mentalhealthmatters



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16 responses to “Creating Sparks of Love Across Generations”

  1. jesusluvsall Avatar

    I remember from the days I taught moms in an elementary school seeing Senior volunteers reading with children. The joy on the volunteers faces was evident and the children loved the attention.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Lisa! It was great to see you too.

    Like

  3. Lisa Coleman Avatar
    Lisa Coleman

    It was good to see you today! You did AMAZING at the funeral! I wish you a fun and calm end to your school year. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  4. davidsdailydose Avatar

    That’s so true, Dana. Reading such stories is rewarding, but hearing them in person is even better! Thanks for reading and commenting.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Dana at Regular Girl Devos Avatar

    I live in a retirement community and I love to hear everyone’s life stories. They are always more interesting than you could ever imagine looking at them. It reminds me how EVERYONE has a story!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Betty Avatar

    Hope you have a great day, too, David!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar

    That’s a great idea! Seniors and young children are such a good mix! I’ve also heard about teens who aged out of the foster care system working and living at nursing homes as activity directors and helpers. They are surrounded by loving grandparents who are encouraged and help by their service. It’s a win-win! I hope you and Dan have a great day!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I initially had mixed feelings about nursing home ministry, thinking it would be difficult working with “lonely people.” However, I was surprised to see how much everyone benefits when multiple generations come together. As someone said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
    Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Chris G Thelen Avatar

    I’ve also seen the smiles and joy in nursing homes when young and old share moments. I like the way you created one of those moments with a song everyone knew. A good reminder for us to look for those opportunities to bring the generations together.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Betty Avatar

    My dad’s nursing home (many years ago) had a daycare in it. It was the perfect pairing. And it was really helpful for the staff to have day care on site.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you! I translated your comment into English for my readers. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Most of the time, working with children charges my “batteries,” rather than drains them. Making positive inter generational connections is a win-win for all who are involved. Thanks for stopping by, Pastor Pete. God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. 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

  14. My Life in Our Father's World Avatar

    I feel all warm and fuzzy now.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. 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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