Do What You Love

I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

She was napping when I entered her room at the nursing home that afternoon but became a woman on a mission as soon as she awakened. I combed out her snowy white hair and applied a little perfume behind her ears, and together we headed toward the community room.

Though she’d just been placed on hospice, you wouldn’t have known it by looking at her. My Grandma Jo—who had recently celebrated her eighty-ninth birthday—wouldn’t let declining health keep her from doing what she loved. Today, that was bingo.

She beelined for what I quickly realized was her usual spot, front and center. Her reputation as an avid player—with a mile-wide competitive streak, the staff told me—meant that she had two cards she alternated, even though everyone else had one. It didn’t take her long to finish lining up her bingo chips (milk caps), sorting them by color, and surreptitiously swapping them with those at the empty seat across the table. When the first round began, she was intent.

As I left for work a couple of hours later, I couldn’t help the grin that slid across my face at the thought of Grandma and her love for certain games. I remembered the many rounds of Yahtzee our family had played together at her house and how, after Grandpa Hans died, she drove an hour to and from the nearest big city to play bingo once a week.

Even after she entered the nursing home and her world grew smaller, she still did things she loved.

We each have work to accomplish daily, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life. Let’s take the time to go for an evening stroll, savor lemonade on a hot day, or eat fresh-picked strawberries still warm from the field. Let’s make an effort to grab coffee with a friend, crank up the radio and belt out our favorite song, and take every opportunity to embrace our one, precious life. Let’s honor the gift we’ve been given by doing what we love—even if it requires two bingo cards.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

What’s one thing you love to do but don’t often have time for? If possible, make time to do it within the next week or two.