I was touched by a recent Facebook post that shares about things we learn through time and age: Read it through to the end, it gets better as you go!
I’ve learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing “Silent Night”. Age 5
I’ve learned that our dog doesn’t want to eat my broccoli either. Age 7
I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9
I’ve learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12
I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14
I’ve learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15
I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24
I’ve learned that brushing my child’s hair is one of life’s great pleasures. Age 26
I’ve learned that wherever I go, the world’s worst drivers have followed me there.
Age 29
I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 30
I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it. Age 42
I’ve learned that you can make someone’s day by simply sending them a little note.
Age 44
I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46
I’ve learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47
I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48
I’ve learned that singing “Amazing Grace” can lift my spirits for hours. Age 49
I’ve learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50
I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 51
I’ve learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52
I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53
I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58
I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64
I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66
I’ve learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72
I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. Age 74
I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch – holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 76
I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 78
I’ve learned that you lose family and friends over time, so make new friends and remember the good times. Age 80
I’ve learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.
It takes many hands of the staff to bring the campus’ mission alive each day. Some of those hands make beds, some cook meals, some ensure all of our technology systems are up and running. Some lead recreation and fitness classes, some send e-mails, some arrange housekeeping schedules. Some fold laundry, some run meetings, some pass medications. Some answer phones, some pay bills, some serve food. Some bathe residents who need assistance and some are completing work orders to turn an apartment into a home. Some gather us in worship. All contribute to the experience and caring that are hallmarks of Beatitudes Campus.
At the end of our January All-Staff meeting, I was privileged to assist our Spiritual Life team, Rev. Roberts and Chaplain Moore, with a beautiful Campus tradition – Blessing of the Hands. Using water for cleansing and oils for the blessing, we honored the hands – and hearts – of the many who carry out the sacred work of our ministry. For 16 years we have held this service during the week of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. This year was particularly special. As campus leaders washed, dried, and anointed hands, we had residents bless each team member’s hands. With each blessing, a sense of quiet fell over the recipients and an acknowledgment of grace and commitment was evident.
And just last week our senior leadership team held a reflection led by Rev. Roberts on the power of prayer. As Peggy read quotes on prayer, it was deeply moving to hear that they resonated with each of us and we found ourselves sharing ways in which we uplift each of you and our service to the campus in prayer. We also discussed the importance of community and prayer as we reflected on this year’s Blessing of the Hands. As such, we were reminded of the prayer cycle created by Chaplain Moore where each day of the month corresponds to an area of campus life or particular department for prayer intention.
How grateful I am to be a part of a community who work and pray together. On behalf of the entire campus team, thank you for the privilege.