As the days have grown colder, and we tend to stay inside more, it seems like our minds go toward those in homebound or hospital settings.
What a joy it is to visit individuals who are laid up for various reasons. I know when I visit, I go to be a blessing; however, it is often I who feels most blessed following the visit.
Music can be an integral part of visiting. I have taken a piano into ICU rooms, nursing homes, and individual’s residences. All have been received with grateful hearts.
I especially recall the ICU room. It was an older gentlemen and he had been there for awhile, so staff wasn’t needing to be working feverishly around him at the time. Some family was there. (Usually quite bored as in most cases.) They LOVED hearing the familiar songs of their faith. Absolutely loved it. It helped lift the heavy weight lingering in the room, brought back sweet memories of church, and especially pointed to a Christ willing to help in hard situations. I treasure the memory of that visit and what God did.
How to accomplish:
If you’re a musician – bring your instrument. Piano keyboards can be inexpensively purchased (see below); guitars are transportable, woodwinds are loved, etc.
If you can sing – use your talent. In the ICU story above, I was able to sing along with the keyboard. It provided the words to the treasured songs we know. Nothing fancy, just singing the words to the song from the hymnal.
Call the hospital ahead of time, making sure the person is still there, when the visiting hours are, and what room they are in.
Be respectful of sound volume. Don’t bring the whole orchestra nor perform when most hospital patients are sleeping.
What songs are appreciated:
Some of my favorites –
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
The Old Rugged Cross
Amazing Grace (everyone knows)
Christmas time-
The First Noel
Silent Night
How to accomplish on a budget:
Piano keyboards can be purchased at a reasonable price at garage sales, flea markets, etc. Please make sure they work correctly and sound as you desire.
I encourage the use of batteries (one of mine uses AA batteries). This allows for greater flexibility in a hospital setting or home. I have used the power adapter and been fine with that as well, but you will have to hunt for an outlet on location.
Use old hymnal(s). Many times, a church will have old hymnals sitting in a storage closet, and the pastor may be willing to loan or give away. I have also purchased favorite hymnals through used book stores (abebooks.com).