Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
As the weather has been warming, our neighbors have been coming out of their homes. They’ve been gardening, mowing lawns and taking long walks down the street. I must admit…I have only met two of our neighbors. But, my goal this spring is to take some kind of goodie and make the rounds to introduce our family.
By nature, I’m not a very outgoing person, so meeting new people can be hard for me. But, as I’m growing in my relationship with the Lord, I’m realizing that my life isn’t all about me! I’m asking Him for ways to serve Him and those around me…and He sure is showing me some ways to do that!
Why is it important to meet the neighbors?
1. You never know when you’ll need to borrow something. (Ask me how I know!)
2. When you smile and wave at them, they won’t think you’re crazy.
3. You can actually say their name when shouting, “Good morning!”.
4. You can tell them about the Lord.
I’ve saved the best for last. We should have a heart to reach the lost and be the hands of Jesus to everyone we meet, but especially our neighbors. Each of us probably have someone living nearby.
Did you ever stop to think that the Lord may have guided you to the house where you live as a missionary assignment?
Isn’t it amazing that a connection that started with a plate of cookies or a basket of fruit could end up with you being able to share the salvation that our gracious God has offered?
Sandy at Reluctant Entertainer always has great ideas for easy, friendly entertaining. Her post on The Blessing of Hospitality gives a wonderful example of how easy it can be to connect with your neighbors.
Do you know your neighbors? Do you have any tips for meeting them? What would you take as welcome gift?
March 25th, 2011 at 7:18 am
Laryssa, I rejoice in your “coming-out”! I read of a pastor’s wife who would bake apple pies and go to her neighbor’s homes and often they would say come on in and she’d share the Lord over pie and coffee! However the Lord leads you, may it be fruitful! Who wouldn’t love you once they meet you??
March 25th, 2011 at 10:07 am
I remember when we moved into the house before this one that it was a big change…from a farm with 60 acres in a rural community to a subdivision with CLOSE neighbors. I did what you are talking about…I baked bread and took it to my neighbors to introduce myself. Knowing that the family across the street seemed to have several people living there, I took two loaves when I saw them return home one Saturday. That’s when I found out they had just come back from the lady’s daddy’s funeral! What perfect timing the Lord has! It later developed into a supportive neighborly relationship, as did the others receiving the bread that day. Someone suggested that I had it reversed…they should have been welcoming us into the neighborhood, but SOMEONE has to make the first move! So, why not?
March 25th, 2011 at 11:17 am
Our last neighborhood I knew that the Lord had us there for a reason. We were very close to some non-Christians on the street that we were able to pour our lives into. While they didn’t get saved before we moved, we are still in close contact with them and able to continue loving on them even from a distance.
As for our new place, I’ve already started praying that we would be a light to our neighbors and a place of refugee. God really does have you where you are for a reason!
March 25th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Laryssa this is a great post. I agree with Janet who wouldn’t love you when they meet you! You are so smart, kind, loving and have the joy of the Lord. What a package!
April 14th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
What a beautiful post. We lived in a neighborhood for about 12 years before moving up to our current property with 2 acres and neighbors more spread out. I enjoyed being in a neighborhood alot. We had great neighbors.I found you via Sandy’s blog!
April 21st, 2011 at 12:20 pm
Thanks for all the compliments and encouragement!
Welcome Kristin!