The Good Neighbor
This week in Central Virginia we experienced our first snow storm of the year! Having a toddler at home and a husband who is a big kid himself made the 5 inches of snow seem like a dream come true. My husband’s work even gave him a snow day which ignited a child-like excitement for all the fun he would share with our little guy.
This mama, however, was not nearly as excited. My husband just had shoulder surgery 3 weeks ago, and Cecil has been home for two of those week for daycare’s holiday break. I was ready to at least get half of them out of the house and resume some sort of routine. To be honest, on top of that at 29 weeks pregnant, none of my snow gear fits!
I went to bed thinking about the work ahead of me to make sure my husband (or big kid in this case) didn’t hurt himself further, that Cecil was bundled up, our walks were scraped, cars cleaned, and driveway cleared. I was thinking about the toys that would be a mess for at least another day and just the challenge of coming up with another creative way to entertain our toddler for what seemed like the millionth day in a row.
I prayed.
I prayed to God asking him to take this stress off my plate, shift my negative mindset, and help me wake up living in the moment to make memories with our sweet little man.
& as always, God delivered.
Monday morning came a little too early as most Mondays do, but this time it was different. Cecil woke up thrilled to just see his dad was still home for another day! It was a quick, “Daddy no work? Daddy, PLAY!” Followed by some bed wrestles and snuggles!
My prayer had been answered. Usually, I wake up and get right to my to-do list of picking up, making breakfast and packing snacks, but today I felt peace to live in the moment and just take it in.
We all quickly rushed to the couch window, so Cecil could climb up and look at the snow. Seeing his eyes light up with wonder and curiosity was priceless. It’s a core memory for sure!
Before we could play, we had to dig out for my latest doctor appointment for baby #2. Thankfully we have a four wheel drive and an amazing little country doctor only 5 minutes away. His office sits at the top of a hill overlooking a pasture. Doctor Campbell said everyone was canceling we could come in early, and we could even use his hill for some sleighing!
Leaving the house brought back some of my stress from the night before. I thought about the driveway and refreeze and the mounds after the plows would come by. I thought about the snow gear clean up, and the difficulty of having to carry a toddler up a hill in the snow while pregnant. Uhhh … I was excited, but apprehensive. I was letting the enemy negatively impact the beautiful day we had been given.
While we waited for Doc and Cecil visited all his nurse friends, I started reflecting on the morning and my mindset.
Had I been so weak minded that I had let one little road block shadow over a morning that was otherwise perfect?
We got through the appointment, and Cecil got to listen to his brother’s heartbeat. Then we changed and layered for some fun in the field. We had a blast! The snow was a little too deep for Cecil to manage walking well, but he loved going fast on the sled! Needless to say, mommy and daddy got in their steps and we all worked up an appetite.
As we packed up to head home, I felt exhausted, and I felt the dread of having more work to do at the house.
But God again answered my prayer.
He gave me a second chance to turn my mindset around and keep enjoying my day.
He gave us amazing neighbors.
When we pulled up our neighbor across the street had plowed our driveway. A huge relief and stress off our plate. That’s when I realized, the work will get done. God knows we are in a season of limbo with a toddler, pregnancy, and shoulder recovery. He has and will keep providing, and it’s time I fully recognize that.
As I came in, took off our wet layers, made lunch, and put two sleepy boys down for a nap, I started thinking about the gift of our good neighbors.
We’ve all read the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke or at least heard it in Sunday school. We know about the Samaritan who saw a hurt Jewish traveler and put his differences aside to do the right thing. But being a good neighbor goes a little deeper than that when we are looking through scripture.
1 John 3 tells us to serve our neighbors. We are to show our love through good deeds, truth, and shared resources.
Leviticus 19 tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and Matthew 22 backs this up saying it’s one of the greatest commandments.
These past few weeks at our house have been filled with “good neighbors.” We have had endless love and support from friends and family as soon as we ask for help with something.
Good neighbors are priceless.
So, how can I be a better neighbor in this new year?
After seeing the peace, support, and help all actions have provided us over the past few weeks, it’s time I reflect on how I can share that with others. After all, it is a biblical calling to serve.
This year started with my blog reflecting on trash and consumption. I started thinking about how I can reduce my negative impacts, and now in week 2 God is sending the message to challenge me to increase my positive impacts.
I can already tell 2025 is going to be a year of major growth for our little family - physically as we gain a 4th member and spiritually as we start to lean more on God’s call instead of our own ambitions.
Enjoying this snow week with my boys, I’m lead to a prayer over the year and over our placement in it.
I pray the same prayer for all of us. & invite you to pray with me!
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the peace within the turmoil that you bring to our lives. I pray that as we start this new calendar year you help us continue to renew our faith and understanding of your word. I pray that you help us continue to search for you and your truths in the big and small moments of this year. & I pray that you continue to direct our paths to alignment with your purpose. Thank you, Father, for blessing us with opportunities to be stewards of your work and good neighbors to help us when we are in trials. I ask that you help us enact your will and lead as good neighbors in our community to share your love, grace, and kindness with no expectations or bars. May we continue into 2025 by forgiving, serving, and loving like you forgive, serve, and love us. In your precious name, Amen.
God’s Love and Mine,
Christina
