Monday, October 5, 2009

Who Is My Neighbor?

It seems, while reading my blog list, that a lot of us are feeling stressed, depressed, anxious, behind in our to do lists...with loved ones near and far who are needing healing and help. 


When I look around my world, it seems a little colder than it was.  A little less friendlier.  Less willing to look someone, a stranger, in the eyes and just smile.  Saying "Hello" is almost a thing of the past as you pass someone, anyone, everyone on the street.  News stories filled with how negligent the human race is becoming.  How we have lost value in each other's eyes.  Need is a shameful thing.  Even needing a smile is a sign of weakness.


So, Sunday, I was reading the Master.  How we are to treat our nieghbors.  Who our neighbors are.  What a neighbor truly is. 




We are to act totally without selfishness.  Our neighbor is whomever needs mercy.  A neighbor is the one who shows mercy.

So, my assignment for the week (and one I hope you share with me) is to work at having a servant's heart, and not a heart consumed only by my desires and needs.  To look people in the eye at the drive-thru or check-out line and see them as people who might need mercy.  To stop my hamsterwheel driven, smallthings minded thinking...and reach out.  With a smile.  With encouragement.  Leave a note on someone's blog that is uplifting and kind.  Take a deep breath and give just that much more when I'm at the end of my rope and ready to jump.  To put self last.  To love above all.

Won't you join me?  Couldn't we change our corner of the world for the better even for just one day, one week, a season...a lifetime?  Wouldn't that be worth it!




 

9 comments:

  1. Yes it would be worth it! I'm going to do it this week! Pay it forward!

    Once I was in a Starbucks drive through and the car before me paid $2 towards my bill. I had no idea who she was, she just did it to do it and it put a smile on my face. It instantly put me in a good mood that day and made me want to make someone else's day brighter.

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  2. You already do that Dee, by leaving wonderful and inspiring comments on my blog. (I would love to say thanks but can't seem to find your email!). So I will say a huge thanks here...THANK YOU! :-) And I will go to work tomorrow (I work in a library), and be a little more caring and thoughtful of those I serve there. Everyone has their own story, thanks for reminding us to care a little more for those around us xo

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  3. what an amazing and thoughtful challenge...that is truly challenging. i am a stay at home homeschool mom so i don't see many people in a week but i am going to try to be more aware of my neighbors this week.

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  4. What a great challenge! Sometimes I get too busy and into my own thing to notice people around me---I am really bad about this! Thanks for this reminder.

    Dee, you are a sweetie and an encourager. Have a great day filled with smiles!

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  5. Wonderful words/thoughts, especially because they are heartfelt and not just words. I've been sick for the last three days. So nice to hear something encouraging!

    I've had the same trouble as Cathy above. I have been replying to your comments on my blog, but realized today that your email is not attached, so I have been sending all my replies to "no reply". Here is what I tried to send today in response to your comment:

    "Thanks, Dee. I'm almost done with block 1 of the BOM and I'm very happy with it. I started block 2 yesterday, but can't quite figure out the piecing on that one, and there aren't even any curves! I hope I haven't gotten in over my head on this one!"

    Have a great day, Dee!

    joan

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  6. Amen, and amen.

    There isn't enough room on the blog comment form to share with people what you have meant in my life. Much love from your Sister at heart.

    KT

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  7. What a great idea to blog about Dee, you are very thoughtful!
    I love this idea and I think I am a bit overfriendly (from what my hubby says) but I do believe we can all be even more friendly and helpful and encouraging :) THANK YOU! I pray you have a wonderful day :)
    HUGS!

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  8. Sweet Dee ! How nice to have found you and your blog through your comment on my blog (and another blogger whom you sent my way!)

    You reminded me of a scripture in Romans......specifically Romans 12:6-7: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; IF IT IS ENCOURAGING, LET HIM ENCOURAGE; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

    You definitely have the gift of encouragement, but I suspect that many of these other gifts thrive in your sweet spirit also. Thank you for making my morning.

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  9. Dear Dee, I truly believe that we can change our part of the world one day at a time. One small act at a time. Thanks for being one of those that believes too.

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