Relentless kindness

Today I visited someone from one of our congregations (hello, Lionel!) in a care home in Ilfracombe. It was very good to see him, after a few weeks, and to share in a simple Communion service; but what really struck me was the kindness and patience of the staff. 

What a job they are doing! And what organization and discipline it takes - especially over the past 2 years - to keep so many frail and elderly people safe, and to do it, mostly, with a smile and an encouraging word.

And this is all hidden. Most of us don't see this unceasing, relentless need for basic care to be given. Our old people vanish, as it were, from our communities, to be looked after out of sight, by unsung heroes.

So that's why I'm singing their praises...