My Friend's House

Happy Birthday!

In past posts, I have talked about learning your neighbors’ names, but do you know their birthday? Everyone enjoys having their birthday remembered, especially when you’re turning 89! Think about it. What would a birthday at 89 be like?

Through getting to know the neighbors better, we saw another opportunity to show the love of Jesus by remembering a neighbor’s birthday. Through conversations with my neighbor one day, we got on the topic of birthdays. We shared our birthdates and some memories of what birthdays were like when we were growing up.

My neighbor proceeded to tell me that she grew up without receiving any gifts for her birthday. Her mother would make her an angel food cake and that was the best gift she could have imagined. As I was making a mental note of the information, I also heard her say that she had not had one since she was a child.

After the visit, I went home and sent out a text to the neighbors asking if anyone would be willing to make an angel food cake for our neighbor that was turning 89. In a few minutes there was a volunteer. Then, a plan was set to have the children on the streets to make her pictures or cards for her birthday and we would all gather at her door to sing, give her a cake, cards and some hugs.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galations 6:10

The day came for us to gather at our neighbor’s door and celebrate! The emotions, the love she felt that day were far better than any material gifts she could have received. It was heartwarming to gather as neighbors to celebrate the neighbor that had lived longer than any of us!

As you think about your neighbors, do any live alone? Do you know your neighbor’s names and birthdays? See if over the holidays you can find out a few more details about your neighbors and how they celebrated their birthdays growing up. Lastly, remember small acts of kindness go a long way.

❤️PRAY ❤️LOOK ❤️LISTEN ❤️ENGAGE