My husband I like to walk after dinner, get some exercise and connect with one another about our day and our lives. This particular night there was an unexpected encounter and…
It all started with a walk.
Nearing dusk my husband and I ventured out for our evening stroll, usually repeating one of three directions we typically walk. But on a whim, we decided to go on a street we rarely walk down for no reason really, other than we are all creatures of habit and wanted something different that night.
And that’s what we got.
Ambling on and talking along the way, we came upon a driveway of people sitting on lawn chairs in a circle with a small table in the middle. Trying to slow our pace a bit to let our minds catch up to figure out this social event, one of the sweet gray-haired ladies hollered out with a wave and a smile, “Come join us!”
We smiled and I sheepishly said, “Well, what are y’all doing?”
“Oh, we’re just visiting.” another neighbor piped in, “We’ll get you a chair,” said another, as waves and smiles kept coming our way. “Get a glass of wine,” another said pointing to the middle table where I noticed the wine indeed was there, along with some snacks. (This was probably their most effective tactic to get people to stay, I had to admit.)
We thanked them for their kind offer, and they told us to come back next month, and as one does, we said we would, and I’d mark my calendar.
And I did indeed mark our wall calendar as best as one could without being sure what to call the event or even what time it began!
Throughout the month I’d reflect on their genuine offers and kind smiles and was determined to go visit with this friendly bunch in our neighborhood. Having gone through the isolating Covid years we’d all been through, I’m finding, even as an introvert, I need this periodic socialization in my life!
So, we did end up going back a full month later.
We met more nice people,
shared and listened to stories,
drank a beverage, laughed and
soaked up the conversation
as people gathered around in a driveway,
sitting in a variety of lawn chairs
watching lightning off in the distance.
Such a lovely evening,
that all started with a walk.
Walking.
Such a basic activity we don’t even think about it much, do we?
Jesus walked.
I wonder how many steps he got in on a typical day?
He walked to people’s homes, nearby and faraway towns and with his disciples.
Jesus walked because he had a purpose, an intention and a message.
Well, you want an easy way to get to know your neighbors?
Go on a walk in your neighborhood.
Walk in the evening, afternoon or morning and you’ll meet different neighbors.
And when you do, it will feel good to connect, to share a smile, a wave or share a gardening tip or recipe.
It also can make you feel safer because you know the people around you.
Bring a dog or a baby/grandbaby and you’re like a “people magnet” on a sidewalk!
If we are to love our neighbors, wouldn’t it be nice to know their name?
I hope this has inspired you to get outside more, take a walk around your home and get to know someone new, right where God has planted you.
Who knows the conversations you will have, the help you can give a neighbor or the encouragement you might be for them!
All because it started with a walk.
Until next time, sweet friends,
Brooke
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“Love your neighbor as yourself.” - Matthew 22:39
This is a beautiful encouragement, thanks Brooke!
One other thing I’ve found helpful is working or playing with the kids in the front yard (not being in the house or backyard) when we can - it lets us meet all the neighbours who are out for walks of their own 😊
What a lovely story of community and friendship. It's amazing what God can do through us when we engage with our neighbours.