My husband and I knew there were ways that we could serve and live in our neighborhood, so we prayed for guidance. We committed to walk the neighborhood each day while we prayed for each house and its members. We prayed that we could be a blessing to them and asked God to provide the way.
Gradually we noticed little changes—a returned greeting, someone stopping at the mailbox to chat, a shout across the yards. Then we noticed our own actions—a real interest in the well-being of individuals, seizing a chance to help with a yard project, sharing my baked goodies and my husband’s expertise in auto repair, or providing a listening ear.
We are neighbors, each a blessing to the other. We have with God’s help continued into a community that supports and helps each other. Sometimes we need to look hard to find opportunities to serve and make a difference in our communities. And sometimes God just drops the opportunity in our laps.
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Diane Frederick.
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