Did you get the gifts you desired for Christmas? Did your family get their dream gifts?
It is easy to focus on our immediate family and friends, but perhaps more difficult to think of those who are elderly or shut-ins. Many times, the elderly in our family and churches don't have anyone to visit them.
This week is generally fairly quiet for most of us. It would be a nice time to take some banana, cranberry or pumpkin bread, either store bought or homemade, and go visiting.
Many of us have elderly relatives that get few visitors. What better time than Christmas and the New Year to visit?
I would call and see what days and times suit them for you to visit; some may prefer to have you take them to a restaurant for a cup of coffee or tea rather than visiting in their home.
If you have no relatives to visit, call your church office. There are certainly church members who are shut-ins that would enjoy a visit. There are also people in our assisted living and nursing homes that would love visits. Just check with the staff to find out who would like some company and hours to go there.
I would bring a small gift. Items such as a tube of lip balm, a small hand cream, hand sanitizer, warm, fuzzy socks, an assortment of teas, or other useful things would be appreciated. Ask the staff of the home you decide to visit what is most wanted or needed.
As we look forward to the new year, do you have any changes planned? Do you want to live a healthier lifestyle, with less processed foods in your diet, more fresh fruits and vegetables? Do you want to spend more time exercising, connecting with friends or learning something new? Begin planning now so that you can start off the year successfully.
The Bible states in Isaiah 43:14, "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past."
We are looking forward to 2019 and the challenges and blessings ahead.
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Looking forward to kindness in the new year