Meet GPS Life Journey Graduate Larry Griffin

Meet Larry Griffin, a recent GPS Life Journey Graduate.  

He shares, "I think this whole program that they have here for that has stirred up things that was inside me that I've used in other programs at other churches I've been at. But it confirmed what I've always wanted to do and that's be with the elderly, help those in nursing homes and hospitals that are,  that need our help, frankly.

But one thing that's happened since I've been there is I've been able to give him a little booklet here and all this is it's just got a few poems in it that helps them and I didn't know what kind of response I would get out of that.  Martha Payne who's got me started doing this as well said that she has passed those out to other people and they really love it.

Morning Point Ministries or a rest home is, another place where people have read it and they pass it on to other people and it's helped out a little bit. It's given a little extra to help them while they're there. So I'm so glad and happy to be there. I'm so glad and happy to be a part of this church and a part of, the GPS ministries. 

So thank you again and have yourself a great day."

Picking up on what Larry Griffin shared, I'd like to delve deeper into the impact of sharing simple gestures, like a booklet of poems, with those in need. It's incredible how something so small and seemingly insignificant can make a substantial difference in someone's day or even their life. In my experience, people in nursing homes and hospitals often appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness, as they might feel overlooked or isolated during their stay.

In fact, research supports this anecdotal evidence. A study published in the Journal of gerontological nursing found that simple activities, like reading or discussing poetry, can help improve the mental well-being of older adults in long-term care facilities. These activities not only promote social interaction but also stimulate cognitive functioning, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Now, you may be wondering how to create such a booklet of poems or other similar gestures to share with those in need. The answer is simpler than you might think. First, consider the audience and their potential interests. For example, if you're creating a booklet for older adults, choose poems that resonate with their life experiences or evoke nostalgia. Next, keep it brief and visually appealing, using a larger font size for easy reading and ample white space for a clean, uncluttered appearance.

You might also include a personal note or an invitation for the recipient to share their thoughts or feelings about the poems. This can open up opportunities for deeper connections and meaningful conversations. Remember, the goal is to create something that brings joy, comfort, or distraction from their daily routines in a positive way.

In conclusion, participating in GPS Life Journey has allowed others to reaffirm their passion for helping the elderly and those in nursing homes and hospitals.  You might also enjoy meeting Jim Robertson, who has a similar mission. The simple act of sharing a booklet of poems has not only brought happiness to others but also highlighted the importance of small gestures in making a difference in someone's life. By incorporating activities like this into our daily lives, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that can positively impact those around us.

Don't forget to explore different ways to give back and make a difference in your community. By staying attuned to the needs of those around us and actively seeking opportunities to help, we can enrich not only their lives but our own as well. 

If you're not certain of God's Plan for Significance (GPS) in your life then consider joining one of our classes listed on the EVENTS page or CONTACT us to let us know your questions or interest.  We look forward to helping you get started and living on mission for God's glory!