"Good fences make good neighbors but so does being neighborly."
In my devotion this morning, I was reminded about the above quote. I did not really think much about it until God prompted me the opportunity to practice what I meditated on.
As I was lap swimming earlier, I saw a middle-aged big-boned man on the other lane suffering. I could see beneath the water that he could not move - with one hand holding onto a floating device and the other hand holding onto his right thigh. I normally don't like it when my exercise is interrupted especially when my breathing is already pacing well. But the Holy Spirit interrupted me and wanted me to check on the man immediately.
So I did, "Sir, you don't look alright." And he indicated that his legs are cramping; and he feels like drowning. But I couldn't lift him up myself as he's so much heavier than me and we're not touching the bottom floor. So I said, "OK, let's try this. Hold on to this floating divider. I'll help you to stay still. And try to put your feet against the wall." After less than one minute, his cramping's gone. Praise thee, Lord!!!
Soon after, he's swimming lap with his floating device and fins like there is no tomorrow. And me, I felt really good that the Holy Spirit interrupted me that way. Thank you, Lord, for trusting me with that opportunity.
As for all of us, take the first step and extend a hand of grace to the new family in your neighborhood, new visitor at Church, new employee at work, new friend in the class, and even a struggling stranger in the swimming pool. And make them feel welcomed and cared for.
As I was lap swimming earlier, I saw a middle-aged big-boned man on the other lane suffering. I could see beneath the water that he could not move - with one hand holding onto a floating device and the other hand holding onto his right thigh. I normally don't like it when my exercise is interrupted especially when my breathing is already pacing well. But the Holy Spirit interrupted me and wanted me to check on the man immediately.
So I did, "Sir, you don't look alright." And he indicated that his legs are cramping; and he feels like drowning. But I couldn't lift him up myself as he's so much heavier than me and we're not touching the bottom floor. So I said, "OK, let's try this. Hold on to this floating divider. I'll help you to stay still. And try to put your feet against the wall." After less than one minute, his cramping's gone. Praise thee, Lord!!!
Soon after, he's swimming lap with his floating device and fins like there is no tomorrow. And me, I felt really good that the Holy Spirit interrupted me that way. Thank you, Lord, for trusting me with that opportunity.
As for all of us, take the first step and extend a hand of grace to the new family in your neighborhood, new visitor at Church, new employee at work, new friend in the class, and even a struggling stranger in the swimming pool. And make them feel welcomed and cared for.
May this be a blessing. And have a neighborly day, Everyone!
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