About two years ago this beast and I had an encounter. For a few moments, I smiled again as I remembered that moment.
Our fuzzy friend was standing quietly in the front yard of Lewis Memorial Village (Senior Living Center, Springfield, IL). The camel was “visiting” the residents that day. They could come outside and pet and feed our camel bits of carrots.
The beast looked oh, so old and weary, but so patient. Wrinkled arms and fingers would reach up, touch the head, and then often stuff a slice of carrot into the mouth of their new friend. What joy our seniors experienced that day because of the patience and kindness of our elderly creature and his attendant.
Then I thought, wow! If this senior camel can bring joy to others, and make them smile, I bet many of us that are sometimes even called, “over the hill” can still do something to bring a smile to another person. We just have to be willing to think, be creative, and go out of our way to find where we can connect with God’s love and share it with another.
This animal was so gentle and eager for a bit of carrot that day. Perhaps there is someone for whom even a simple email with a good-morning included would cheer a senior with no family left to take a moment to communicate.
Or, maybe jump out of your jammies and into your jeans and grab a fresh bagel, covered with peanut butter and jam. Go next door or around the block to the dwelling of a lonely soul. Spend a few moments together, as you each nibble your half of the bagel and watch the six hummingbirds eating away on the feeder hanging from the porch. You might even volunteer to refill the sugar water, saving the weary body of your friend from that chore.
The point being, seniors can still reach out and bring joy to others. Some needing our friendship may be gray haired and rocking chair bound. Others might be a stay-at-home mom with a pair of newborn twins, just needing a caring word of friendship and yes, the other half of your bagel, brownie, or baloney sandwich.
I double dare you to the challenge of being God’s helping hands, even if wrinkled, arthritic, or bruised. We are His children, and He loves family members who care about each other. Don’t quit smiling, sharing, and giving as eighty plus candles hop onto your birthday cake. Someone else always needs your talent, friendship, and/or time.
Become a human, aging, caring, helping ‘camel’ today.
Kathryn Ransom 