This last week we were treated with some beautiful weather on our walk.  One of the things I love about the mid-west is that you have a gathering of all four seasons and there are some sunny days and rainy days.  I love a bit of everything but i’m holding on to this last bit of warmth!

When I run there are not many thoughts in my head besides, ‘Lord, please help me catch my breath and not pass out!’ but when I walk there is time to mull over what God is doing in our lives.  I love that time!

 

One of the things I started to feel nudged about was the need to start engaging in our new community and in relationships.  When you are new in town it can be an exhausting process trying on friendships, a new church, doctor offices, grocery store, etc.

I knew that we had new neighbors move in and unfortunately it seems people keep to themselves around here.  It’s kind of the way things are today and I understand.  But I realized no one is going to come knocking at our door to get to know us. I needed to be the one intentional about getting involved so yesterday I loaded my arms with some of these..

..and a little of this!

 

 

And I bravely knocked on a strangers door hoping to make a new friend.

I was so excited the minute the door swung open and this girl with a little guy on her hip was smiling big.

We chatted for a bit and then later she brought over some honey and apple butter for us and stayed long into the afternoon laughing and getting to know one another.

I prayed for weeks that God would bring nice neighbors and God answered that prayer for a friend.
Today when her fire alarm went off randomly she dropped off that sweet little guy for a moment to solve the problem and I realized this is why it’s important to reach out.  To be there for other people in the small occurrences but also for the big ones. Not to fix people’s lives up neat but to love them the way Christ has loved us.

With each year that passes I realize life is really short and people can be taken away from unexpectedly.  I want to make sure that I did my best to share Christ with others and I don’t always know what that looks like day-to-day but i’m learning.  So I’m challenging you this week to do something nice for someone in your life or someone who God has placed on your heart.  Let them know they are cared for!

I hope you are enjoying this weekend!

Until next time,

Laura