I love Easter weekend, the sense of rebirth, the opening of one’s heart, and our greatest blessing…
And yet, I believe my Easter weekends might be very different was it not for my neighbor Ms. S. For it was her gentle invitations to church that began our families journey towards Christ.
First, I should return to the day Ms. S. moved next door. We were, also, fairly new to the neighborhood, and I was lucky to be stationed in Georgia–my home state. As I peeked at the group passing in and out of the home, I wasn’t really sure who might become our neighbor. Later, I learned this was Ms. S.’ family, helping her settle into the new home.
As the weeks went by, we noticed the grass beginning to reach knee-high, and we also noticed she did not come out very much. So it seemed impossible to ask if she might need help. I recall venting the situation to my supervisor, to which he replied:
“Sometimes people need help, but they won’t always admit it. Maybe you should just to mow her lawn.”
On one particular occasion, it was during my husband’s deployment. I woke to the humming of a riding lawn mower and the scent of freshly cut grass. I bolted out the back door waving my arms, trying to stop her:
Ms. S, “I have someone coming to cut the grass! You don’t have to!”
Well, that was not effective: it’s not easy stopping a good Christian woman who is on a mission to give with all her heart. She smiled and her eyes twinkled of love and generosity, “Sharon you should know by now this is my blessing.”
These lessons from Ms. S and my former supervisor taught me we should never wait to ask others if they need help. Sometimes you simply have to give and expect nothing in return. For it really is the act of giving, which we become blessed.
I’m headed back home this summer and who knows…Ms. S may very well find me poking around in her flower bed, pulling weeds and trimming any shrubbery that needs taming. It’s been some time since I visited her, and it’s time I let her know what a tremendous blessing she has always been. While my home and heart grows strong in the in the desert, a part of my heart has always remained right next door to Ms. S.
Reblogged this on Haddon Musings and commented:
Enjoy the beauty of the words in this post.
LikeLiked by 3 people
goodness-how this touched me-the last line was just beautiful-thank you and Happy Easter!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much for reading. I enjoy your blog so much because it’s like visiting Ms. S. You two would get along just fine. Have a wonderful Easter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sweet-thank you! Hope your Easter is lovely! and thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a lovely story. I enjoyed it immensely.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much for reading and the compliment! Ms. S. is a gem. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful verse and story about Ms. S. Happy Easter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you had a wonderful Easter as well. Thank you for reading. I always appreciate a visit from you!π
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a beautiful testimonial. I love it. Hope you get a chance to see Mrs S.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you! Yes I’m looking forward to the trip home. It’s been too long.
LikeLike
It’s a lovely story and lesson in life…A person shouldn’t always have to ask ! . Diane
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much for reading Diane. Yes a lesson I still have to remind myself. Thank you for reading and stopping by. I hope you had a wonderful Easter.
LikeLike
Yes we did..and hope you did too… Diane
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life, she is good when shared.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes Kindness begets kindness. I loved reading about your lovely neighbour. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Brigid! Your book arrived, and I sat down to read and was pulled away too soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant. I am still waiting for mine! Let me know how you find it. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! So far I’m touched by your words, your family has struggled…I’m sorry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How kind. It has been tough at times but many others have more challenging lives. I am so grateful for every blessing.xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great to read something that’s both enjoyable and provides prmgdatisac solutions.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Kailey. π
LikeLike
You sent your husband to do the task. π Great man! I love this story. I’m sure you received many blessings from being kind to your neighbor. That’s wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes I feel a bit awkward saying that I sent him, but it’s the truth. He’s very handy and my friends tend to call on him when having car issues or when their 5 year old has dumped a gallon of paint on the rug–yes he managed to remove! I’m the project manager…that counts right! Lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great hubby! β€οΈβ Ahhhh on the paint! Yes, project manager and Mom are BIG roles!! πβ
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right! π
LikeLiked by 1 person