By: Deena Adams
Life as we’ve known it changed in a moment.
At the beginning of March, I went from enjoying a day at Hollywood Studios and a church leadership conference in Orlando, to three weeks of sickness, my mom being diagnosed with cancer, and concerns about the Coronavirus.
As a senior pastor, my husband has quickly had to navigate how to help our church family stay connected to one another and to God while praying the ministry will survive the shutdown.
My heart hurts that I can’t be with my mom during her treatments, which began March 31 or even visit her. She lives in Tennessee and I live in Virginia. Facetime is our best friend right now.
Honestly, my heart is broken for many who can’t be with those they love who are sick or gather to say goodbye to a deceased loved one.
This is hard stuff.
I have several writing projects to work on, and you’d think now would be the perfect time to finish my novel in progress and edit another manuscript. Alas, focus is fleeting and sound sleep scarce, which hinders creative thinking and has stalled my writing.
I know I’m not alone. No doubt many reading this could share about how your life has changed over the last month.
It’s easy to get caught up watching the news and battle fear and anxiety as we’re bombarded with the negative. That’s why I was excited to read Jennifer’s call out for stories that highlight small acts of kindness. I eagerly jumped on board!
Amid turmoil, hoarders, and naysayers, most Americans are strong and resilient, with a history of extending great compassion and help when there’s a need. You can find story after story of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary deeds to aid others in crisis.
I thought, “What can I possibly do to help?”
On March 30, while scrolling on Facebook, I read a post from a local retirement community, inviting children to draw chalk art on the sidewalks around their buildings to cheer the residents while sheltering in place. Three of my grandchildren were at my house that day, and I immediately asked if they’d like to bless some seniors by participating in this endeavor. The two girls jumped up excited, raring to go. My grandson wasn’t as thrilled, but once we got there, he joined in and enjoyed it.
They took considerable care with their drawings, contemplating what scenes might please the residents. Combined, the four of us drew on a total of ten sections of the sidewalk.
This was a wonderful opportunity to teach my grandkids to think of others in a crisis and give of our time and energy to put a smile on someone’s face.
While at the facility drawing, we encountered several residents from a safe distance, and their smiles and words of thanks warmed my heart.
This may seem like a tiny act compared to what many others are doing, but it meant a lot to those at the retirement home, and it blessed me and my grandkids to do something for others when it’s easy to focus on self. I’m confident they’ll remember this experience forever.
Let us recall Paul’s teaching in Galatians 5:14. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
What small act of kindness can you do during this pandemic to love others as you love yourself?
Deena incorporates her vast array of experience as a Christ-follower for thirty years and a Navy/pastor’s wife for thirty-eight years into hope-filled stories.
As a court-appointed special advocate volunteer, Deena’s heart for helping children find hope, love, and healing shines through in her writing. She is an active member of ACFW and several writer groups, board member of ACFW Virginia, and a multi-award-winning writer.
She and her husband live in Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends.
Connect with Deena on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Website: https://deenaadams.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deenamadams/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deenamadams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deenaadamswrites/
I’m guessing the residents enjoyed seeing those three kids, too.
Hi Dave! Yes, they sure did. It was a blessing all the way around.