I always have been blessed with wonderful neighbors, but I have to say that our current neighbors may be the best of the bunch. We’ve lived in our current home nearly nine years, and we’ve watched our families grow and change over these years. In a world where most people do not take the time to get to know their neighbors, I am so happy to know mine, which is why the one thing I did today is all the sweeter.
As I was getting ready for work, it was pouring down rain and very windy, so, when I thought that I heard a knock at the front door around 7:20 a.m., I first thought it was just the elements battering the exterior of our home. Then, the knocking gave way to the ringing of our doorbell, and I knew that while the wind may be wicked, it was not cunning enough to come calling in such a manner as this. I could not imagine who could possibly be at the door so early on a stormy morning, and to be honest, at first, I thought of ignoring it, but I couldn’t. When I opened the door and saw who was standing there, I was so glad that I heeded the call.
There stood our beautiful, smart, kind, and funny neighbor, Abigail, who was home from graduate school on Christmas break. We simply love and adore her, and her visits are always welcomed, even at 7:20 a.m.! It was more than my pleasure to shepherd her from the storm after being accidentally locked out of her house until one of her wonderful sisters came to her rescue. Providing her a warm place to stay, the use of the telephone, and some neighborly love helped to ease a rough start to a rough morning, at least I hope it did. It wasn’t much on my part at all, but it meant a lot to me to be able to help out even a little bit. In this case, fences do not make the best neighbors, as the famous saying goes, as special people make the best neighbors by far!
The one thing I did for myself is that I kept things in perspective today, rather than letting my mind go to bad places, as my pen pal so astutely has pointed out to me in the past. It has been a very hectic six weeks, and this week has been no exception. I’d like to say that I have handled the stress and changes with grace, patience, and kindness, but that would not be the truth. Too often, I have had tunnel vision and have focused on what I cannot control, rather than seeing the bigger picture and recognizing the blessings and opportunities that are present, even in the midst of chaos. I stayed present today, and I remembered that these current stressors shall pass and give way to better days. I also recalled the bigger obstacles I have faced and overcome, knowing that I have the continued support of my family and friends and the inner strength and resources to get through this latest challenge. It is amazing how much more I was able to accomplish and how much better I felt overall when I loved myself enough to be positive and to believe in myself and my abilities.
So, I loved my neighbor as myself, and it ended up feeling like a warm and sunny day, even though it was anything but that outside. Brighter days and blue skies really do exist when you do something to make your world and someone else’s world a bit nicer.
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
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Great post! I always find it even more fulfilling by the look on their faces when they really enjoy whatever it is that you did for them. Such a great feeling. Happy Holidays!
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Thanks for reading my blog and for your nice comments! I hope you enjoy the holidays as well.
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