Because You’re Worth It…

The L'Oreal adverts would have us believe that us mere mortals should consider ourselves fortunate enough to be deemed 'Worth It' to use their products. Over the years I have discovered that people consider themselves 'Worth It' when you spend quality time with them.

Most of my readers will know that on Thursday evenings I lead a service at Thames View Lodge, which is a Sheltered Housing Complex. Along with a few ladies from Christ Church, we have been visiting The Lodge since February of this year and I can truly say with all honesty that it is the highlight of my week. Between 25- 30 residents come along and share in song, prayer, fun and fellowship but it is the time after the service whilst having a cuppa which is so important. Those moments when a resident will share a concern, worry, frustration, confide an illness diagnosed, bring photos of loved ones, hopes for the future - that 'time' spent listening makes a person feel 'Worth It'. My ladies from Christ Church are priceless as they visit, share communion with, prayer with, build bridges and care for those who would otherwise go un-noticed.

Tonight we had our service but because I still have no voice! Nigel led the programme I had prepared for this evening throwing in a few jokes and accompanying the hymns on his portal Casio piano, which certainly adds to the evening rather than singing to my pre-recorded music. They all gave him marks out of 10 for his effort but to me the best reward is seeing folk leaving the lounge smiling and singing a refrain of a hymn/song that we had during the evening. Mission accomplished J

When I'm in my 80's or 90's I hope someone will still think I'm 'Worth It' to spend time listening to me..

"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand" Anon

"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant". Robert McCloskey