The second greatest commandment is loving your neighbor as yourself. We know from the story of the good Samaritan that Jesus is saying that everyone is our neighbor. We are to love everyone- yes, even our enemies.
Yet, tonight, the story is not about my enemies. It is about being invited next door for a simple outdoor, spring-weather, evening barbecue. So, my husband and I walked over, carrying our little Zuzu, and joined the crew on the deck. It was a time of light chatter, sharing our daily goings-on with one another and just enjoying the meal. We don't really know our neighbors, but they have been kind to us and we'd like to get to know them more. In fact, I wasn't really sure they believed in Jesus- did we have that foundational thing in common? I had sent them a thank-you card a week or two earlier for the beautiful crib they had given Zuzu and in it, I wrote about Jesus and what He did for them. So I was pretty sure they knew where we stood. How they received it was another matter.
As dinner was wrapping up, my neighbor states that she has to get her granddaughters bathed before bed and I signaled my husband that it was probably time to go for our evening walk around the block. We all got up and went into the house and just as we were saying goodbye, all of a sudden, something broke in the spirit realm. Something in the atmosphere just opened up and hearts were shared. Pain, deep pain, was spoken and hugs were given. Prayer was sought and encouragement given. Wow! The Lord just broke in and we were trusted with the sensitive issues of personal lives- I am honored. I now have the privilege of praying for these neighbors and loving them in a more specific way. Thank You, Lord! You are good.
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