The two Christmas Caroling adventures I joined in this season were light on planning, almost impromptu. A few members of my church choir decided to go to the homes of people who can’t make it to church very often. Some of houses we stopped at had no lights on. Maybe they were out or had gone to bed. We wanted to make it a surprise, but maybe we should have called, or started earlier in the evening or afternoon.
But some people were home. A few days ago, I got a sweet thank you note in the regular mail from the couple we sang carols to. They’re an elderly couple who have been members of our church for a long time. Mrs. N wrote how touched they were that we came a caroling to their home. She said her husband was talking about it when he woke up the next morning, saying how much he enjoyed it. Their grandchildren, who were there that night making Christmas crafts, enjoyed it too.
The neighborhood caroling plans were made on line with a couple neighbors I had not met in person. It was a joy to meet these three other women, two of whom said they couldn’t sing, but they really could. We started at 4:30, walking through the neighborhood with the plan to stop at homes of people we knew or brightly decorated homes. A few of the people we wanted to sing to were not home. A couple neighbors said, “no thanks, not right now,” to our offer. It’s understandable that they were busy, and we hadn’t called ahead.
But one elderly woman was so pleased we had come to sing for her, she invited us in and kept us there for a while. She told us about her family and her faith graciously enjoying the visit. One couple on my block said they’d been out shopping earlier and were frustrated by the traffic. They said we made their day.
It’s like my job as a substance abuse counselor. Some of my clients think coming to see me is an inconvenience. Some are in denial and angry. But there are those who keep me going. Like the one who left a small hand-made cross key chain for me and the note that thanked me for helping him “get through some of the darkest times.”
The lesson I want to remember is that when things don’t go as well as we had hoped, and even when we think our efforts are are in vain, we can make a difference. Even if we help one person smile, or feel a little better – even if it’s we who feel better – our efforts are worthwhile.
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December 30, 2015 at 5:03 pm
I think caroling is a wonderful community outreach project. Doing just as much as you can do is definitely worthwhile. I hope that you will continue to do what you enjoy: helping people to heal themselves. xo
December 31, 2015 at 2:03 am
I agree. When we can help people help to heal themselves, doing something we enjoy, everybody wins! Thanks for your support!
December 31, 2015 at 2:32 am
Anytime, Jo.
December 30, 2015 at 6:06 pm
I love this story, JoAnna! I am certain you brought (and continue to) bring such joy and love to those you meet up with. I only wish I lived nearby and your caroling tribe showed up at my door!! 😉 Beautiful wishes for 2016! ♡♡
December 31, 2015 at 2:04 am
Thank you, Lorrie. Just knowing you would welcome us, feels good 🙂 Best wishes to you, too! ❤
December 30, 2015 at 6:22 pm
Very lovely thoughts, and you must have been deeply touched to have received that key chain and heartfelt message JoAnna.
December 31, 2015 at 2:05 am
Thank you, Hariod. I did get a little teary when I read the note. I’m keeping it around as a reminder.
December 30, 2015 at 10:39 pm
Bonjour JOANNA en cette fin d’année
Je suis le vent
Pour balayer tes soucis
Je suis la pluie
Pour te rafraîchir les idées
Je suis dans les nuages
Pour ne pas oublier tes images
Tu es dans mes pensées
Pour ne pas perdre ton amitié
Je t’envoie mon sourire
Pour que tu sois réconforté
Je t’envoie ma douceur
Pour qu’elle reflète sur toi
Je te souhaite une superbe journée
Une bonne Année 2016
<<>>
Que 2016 soit ton année
Que le bonheur soit ton allié
Que le sourire soit ton invité
Et que la joie embellisse tes journées
Une bise pour toi
Bernard
Bonne Année à Toute Ta Famille
December 31, 2015 at 2:13 am
🙂 Merci! 😀 I love the poster! Bonne Année à Toute Ta Famille, too!
December 31, 2015 at 2:12 am
Happy New Year!
January 11, 2016 at 3:51 pm
This is grand joanna and restores my faith in humanity and egs me on to try and help people further because the littlest thing could mean so much to somebody else.
January 12, 2016 at 1:37 am
Exactly! We do what we can, even if it’s something simple. I’m honored to have restored your faith!