It’s Friday and time to link up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. Friday is a time when we “write not worrying if everything is just right.” You can join in the fun HERE
Prompt: BELONG
I pulled into the driveway of our new home on Monday afternoon and waited for my husband to show up with the moving truck. He was a few minutes behind me. As I stood on my front porch, the moment didn’t feel real. Two months of living in-between homes was coming to an end. I watched as a man and lady walked across their front yard, then across the street, and into my yard.
Allison and Craig were their names. They had a gift for us…baked breads and cookies. The only message on the card “Welcome.” And yet, that single gesture said so much more. It said make yourself at home, you belong here.
The act of kindness from my new neighbors reminded me of a book that came out a few years ago by Bill Hybels called Just Walk Across the Room. It’s a great book on how to approach evangelism. It’s the model Jesus uses: just make yourself available, just take steps to reach out to another person.
Helping someone to feel as if they are exactly where they are supposed to be isn’t rocket science. Sometimes, all you have to do is walk across the street, shake hands and say “hi”. (If you happen to be carrying a box of baked goods that’s just icing on the cake!)
What a beautiful gift and what good neighbors! Loved Walk across the room too…it really is the simple things that say the most like showing kindness in the form of baked goods or a a simple hello like you said.
Yes it is! But I easily forget.
Oh I love the welcome you received, Eileen! I am so happy for you as you walk through your new front door and into your life. Enjoy every minute of settling in … and reaching out!
Thank you, Linda!
That’s great Eileen. It’s what our CMA ministry’s “action plan” is all about: We’re here if you need us.
We don’t jump in people’s faces. We’re just there if they need a person to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or a cup of hot coffee on a cold day or cold water on a scorcher. Planting a seed.
Love that, Anne.
It’s funny how it doesn’t take to much to make someone feel welcome. Thanks for reminding us that we should make sure we say those little words.
Laura Hedgecock
http;//www.TreasureChestofMemories.com
http://www.twitter.com/LauraLHedgecock
Thank you, Laura
I love how your new neighbours made you feel welcome, Eileen. What a sweet, friendly gesture to help you feel like you belonged. As you say, “Helping someone to feel as if they are exactly where they are supposed to be isn’t rocket science” and that places it within the reach of us all. To treat others with the same kindness, compassion and understanding as Jesus does for us will go a long way toward making them feel accepted. Thanks for this uplifting post and for the book recommendation. It’s just been added to my Amazon Wish List! Blessings 🙂 xx
So true, Joy! It’s a good read.
Dear Eileen
This is so true! It is all those small, seemingly insignificant gestures that mean so much. I am glad you guys are settled in your new home now.
Blessings XX
Mia
Thank you, Mia!
Eileen, what a beautiful welcome treat for your family! Welcome home! 🙂
Thank you, Jenifer!
Those small gestures can mean so much, can’t they, Eileen? How sweet of them.
I’m reading Brother Lawrence right now, and one of his quotes is: “We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.” I love that he shows the HEART of an action means so much more than the size of it.
Thanks for your post, Eileen!
Great quote, Caroline.