Kindness and Gratitude in the Neighborhood!Sample

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KINDNESS AND GRATITUDE!

I had just moved to the neighborhood in September of 2018. On moving day, the lady who lives across the street from my Condo backed out of her driveway.  She stopped alongside my POD that we were unpacking.  She rolled down her window and introduced herself as Lynne.  She gave her last name that immediately sparked conversation as I wanted to know if she was related to someone I knew in the area by that last name.  She was not, but she will never know what her act of taking time to stop meant to me.  I was new to this state, and although I had some family in nearby cities, I felt so alone.

A few weeks passed by, and Autumn was in full swing.  The color was everywhere, with the leaves falling to the ground.  As I drove out my drive to an appointment, I noticed that same neighbor in her front yard raking leaves.  I spoke silently from my spirit to God and said, “If she is still out when I get back, I will grab my rake and go help her.” 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law.”  Galatians 6:2

That was the beginning of our friendship!  We raked up a few bags of leaves together.  Because we were busy and working on our pile of leaves, there was little conversation.  Yet when we had finished, she said, “Can you come in for a cup of tea?”  I was hesitant because of a nervous condition I have, but thankfully I accepted, and it was then that I found out that we had a lot in common.

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  Hebrews 13:1-2

Not only were we both widowed, but our husbands both died just a year apart of cancer.  We were both retired. She was from the medical field, which led to questions asking if she knew some of my family whose careers involved them in that arena.  Who would have dreamed that me moving from another state would end up moving across the road from a woman who once worked with two of my family members!!  

CAN YOU RELATE?

I am not a creature who likes to change. Moving from one state to another after my husband died was not an easy decision.  As I write this devotional, I have lived here for just over three years. As you continue my journey, you will discover angels do live among us.