Day 34 | David's story

Reflection

David’s neighbours knew him only too well. Cars pulled up at the house at all times of the night. It wasn’t the neighbours’ fault that this habitual drug user had inherited his mum’s house.

Thin, aged beyond his years, angry, scary. Most neighbours gave David a wide berth. Except Laura. Retired after a lifetime of teaching, she lived on the next road and had known of David and his family for years. The only thing they had in common was that they both owned dogs. They would pass each other on dog walks. And, because Laura is not easily scared, she would say hello to him, and speak to his dog.

Whilst David was suspicious, in time he relaxed and they built a relationship that went beyond, ‘Hello, what horrible weather.' And Laura began to pray. When she told her church family that she was delivering homemade cake and lasagne to David, they began to pray as well – for both of them. She told them about him, and prepared them for the swastika tattoos, reassuring them that he wasn’t as scary as he looked.

One Sunday, he came to church and was welcomed. He relaxed and came back again. Laura asked others to help. Someone fixed his doors and tended the garden. Someone else gave him a carpet, a sofa, and some pans. And David began to volunteer in the church café most days. He helped people train their dogs. He carried on worshipping and began to believe the good news he was experiencing.

And his neighbours started to notice the difference. All because, with Jesus by her side, Laura lived out her purpose as a neighbour and brought peace to the street.

Lord, part of your purpose for my life is loving my neighbours. Help me join in your restoration project by seeing the opportunities that are right on my doorstep – help me to love my neighbours as much as I love myself. Amen.