The ministry of spinning 45s at a sockhop.

Several years ago, when my parents began downsizing, my mother asked if I’d like to have her collection of 45s.

I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Because that collection is amazing.

For the uneducated, 45s were vinyl pressings of the hits of the day — the A side being said hit single, with a B side on the flip.

These particular 45s of my mother’s were collected during the really-late-50s / early-60s.

So we’re talking, original presses of Elvis, Buddy Holly, the Everly Bros, those Beatles, and more.

An AMAZING collection.

But when I accepted that gift, little did I (or she) know what an amazing ministry opportunity it’d be.

Because, when one drops the needle on such treasures in a skilled care facility, what you might describe as “magic” happens. Or else mystery, blessing — even miracles — if you’re the believing type.

The other evening I was invited to host a “sockhop”, mostly because the activity director of that local skilled care facility knew I had a collection of awesome 45s.

Because somehow it came up in conversation while my group, Bridge the Gap, had sung Everly Brothers and Beatles songs there.

So I showed up with my Crosley Cruiser (portable record player, purchased by my aboslutely ADORABLE wife for recent birthday) — me, being a “little” too young to have ever participated in a sockhop; yet I had the records … and the record player … and socks … so there I was … the minister, ready to drop needle on an awesome collection of 45s.

Starting with “At the Hop”, by Nick Todd — because what other song could you start a sockhop with than THAT song?

Followed by “Twist and Shout”, by the Beatles.

And “All Shook Up”, by the (so-called) King of Rock ‘n Roll.

Then “That’ll Be the Day”, by the would’ve been King (had he not died in tragic plane crash).

And you have never lived a moment of your life until you have heard an entire room full of persons in a skilled care facility singing along to:

It was an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini, that she wore for the first time today …

Because, that’s what happens at sockhops.

Yet here was the blessing — the moment that I will forever treasure in my heart — that moment when the resident on the walker stood up (with help) and danced.

And another.

Swaying with the volunteers in the obligatory “poodle skirts” in the feature photo of this post.

To “I Can’t Help Falling In Love”.

With perma-grins upon their faces.

As if they were young again — and in reality, their hearts young again — because of the power of vinyl 45s, and God’s good Grace.