This summer, I went on a service trip to Camden, New Jersey, with my youth group from St. Ignatius Parish. I had heard inspiring stories from those who had gone in previous years, and I wanted to be a part of that myself. For five days, our group volunteered at nursing homes, pre-schools, and homeless shelters. Some of my good friends and I were placed at Genesis, a nursing home. We helped the nurses throughout the day by serving coffee, doing crafts, and playing games with the elderly.
Vince, one of the men at Genesis, had a particular impact on me. He resided on the floor where I spent most of my time, the Alzheimer’s floor. Most of the residents on this floor were at least seventy years old, but Vince was only fifty-six. He would walk around with a binder full of pictures, muttering jumbled words to himself. One morning, we played a modified version of mini golf with the patients, and Vince, eager to win, was really getting into the game. When he won by a good fifty points, the smile on Vince’s face lit up the room. His smile made me realize that it’s the little things in life that matter the most. I also discovered I enjoy other people’s happiness as much as my own.
Every time I saw a resident at Genesis smile, I was reminded that even though these people are in the last years of their lives, God is with them every day. I saw that the elderly in this nursing home did not have much, and I became even more grateful for the things I have. At times during this trip, I would realize how fortunate I am to live in a safe community with opportunities given to me left and right. I have learned to be grateful for everything I have and to take nothing for granted.
—Luisa
In this story, Luisa realizes that “it’s the little things in life that matter most.” Even Jesus talks about doing little things for love of him (Mt 25:40). What little things can you do today to love God and others? By loving those around us in big and little ways, we are loving God!
Who do you love? What have you done to show the people around you today that you love them? What are some small things you could do to show love at home, in school, at church?