On a job in Ispheming, MI, one of the first residents we would learn about was Jim, aka papa smurf. He was an older man, short in stature with very thick glasses. Jim could not hear well so he would get in very close when you spoke with him. The nick name wasn’t meant as an insult, it was a term of endearment for an out-spoken, gentle hearted elderly man that cruised the neighborhood in his bright red truck. Jim wasn’t nosey, he was lonely. He had been widowed for some time and the community had become his new bride. He loved all the kids and would purchase things they needed; he liked to cook and supplied hot lunches to the community manager; he took watch over his neighbors’ homes when they were away. Jim was everywhere and ever ready to lend a hand.

He spent the day with us when we put the playground together. He wasn’t a lot of help physically, but he brought his smile and witty humor that added to the morale of the team. After a soft pat and rub on his shoulders, Jim said he would stay there all day for that. That was my moment of impact! My hearts connection with Jim and all the other residents, old or young, that lived alone. How many go on for so long without so much as a gentle rub on the shoulder.

We all know how important the human touch is to our mental health. There have been numerous studies about infants and the nurturing effects of being held – the devastating effects of not. But how often do we think about those adults who are alone and possibly go for years without any human touch. Mother Teresa wrote about the ‘untouchables’ in India, the lepers she ministered to, and she explained that while there was no hope for them to become well – outside of miraculous healings of course – there was hope for the healing of their soul – through the simple act of touching them when no one else would. 

Or team rolls into a community with trucks and trailers loaded with ladders, power tools and building supplies. Through the extreme generosity of the owners of Impact Cares we are given the opportunity and the finances to do all these wonderful tangible things for the residents! Yet through the words of one special resident, God has reminded me that He has equipped me with the most valuable tools of grace and love – my hands. The human touch – It cost nothing, but its value is priceless!

Moved by compassion, Jesus reached out and ‘touched’ him (paraphrased – Mark 1:41)