I've been blessed by God with a neighbor who spreads joy. We live next door to one another and share the same entryway. Our doors are literally next to each other. We each have our own garden area. But this entry is common ground between us. That could be potential problem if you're stuck with a not so nice neighbor. But God gave Greg and me ...Caroline!
In the early morning I love to sit in my wicker chair on my side of the entry area to our condo. It is still quiet so I hear the sounds of birds chirping. I can see my beautiful roses in bloom. I see the shadows disappear as the sun rises in the sky. I am quiet and I pray.
I was surprised when I noticed a green envelope placed on my chair one morning. When I opened it up, I was so moved. It was a lovely card of encouragement from Caroline. She wrote that she was praying for me. When we moved into this condo, I would never have imagined that I would be so blessed with a sister of Christ living so close. And we just happen to be the same age and we get along so well. How good is our God? He knows what we need and just when we need it.
As I thought about Caroline, I had to smile. She spreads such a sweet aroma wherever she goes. Between her job, her volunteer work with a hospice organization and her ministry of teaching exercise classes she spreads sunshine and love.
So I ask you? What kind of aroma are you spreading?
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
I'm linking up with Charlotte for Spiritual Sundays.
I'm also linking up with Joan of The Beauty in His Grip.
Blessings and love,
What a lovely story and a good question. It is so nice to have great neighbors.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a question that needs to be asked on a regular basis...It's so easy to let our feelings show if we are having a bad day but God will give us the ability to have a sweet aroma for Him if we will ask.....
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are blessed with such a wonderful neighbor...truly a gift from God as you are to each of us who read your posts.....
Good morning! I have actually thought about this often Deb as I want nothing more than to BE the kind of neighbor you have described. Those are the kind of people who make an impact in your life and you never forget. Those who spread a little bit of Jesus around, you know? I'm happy for you that you got this sweet woman as your neighbor, and I have a feeling your a real blessing to her as well. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteGood post. I am hoping that I am "lavender" and not "skunkweed". :)
I am so happy Debbie, that you have such good friends, next door, at school, church and in blogland. I am also so happy to be one of them! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you!
What a beautiful friend and neighbor God brought you in Caroline! Your post is a great reminder to share Christ's love with those around us. We may never know the impact we have, but when we are the "aroma of Christ" we can't go wrong!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Hi Debbie! I am finally making the rounds trying to catch up with some of the Spiritual Sunday posts. Your story of Caroline was very joyful. I am glad I know you here. I think they say "great minds think alike"! That would be you and I! Hee Hee! Seriously we thought on the same line and I enjoyed seeing your post. Thank you for your friendship here. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story and you have used it in a wonderful way to remind us of how we can affect others and spread the fragrance of Christ without even knowing it.
ReplyDeleteLinked here from Beauty in His Grip.
Blessings