Being a Good Neighbor Brings Fulfillment

[We can all be a good neighbor because we each have gifts and talents to share with our community and the world. When we use our gifts and talents to help people around us we find more fulfillment in life.]

Being A Good Neighbor

I leaned over the steaming bowl of fresh field peas, cooked just the way my granny used to make them, fresh from the garden. They were my favorite—especially with little pieces of bacon mixed throughout. Oh, yes!

I had come home to my parents’ house in a small southern community for my uncle’s funeral. A constant stream of visitors continued to drop by with food and condolences.

A distant aunt, whom I had never met, brought her field peas, chicken, and a lemon supreme cake. Wow. I was instantly transported back to my granny’s big dining room table with memories of homemade goodness, lemons, and sugar dripping off my fingers.

As we sat and visited, she shared how she loved cooking and sharing with other folks in need. She shared how that in her giving to others, she felt needed, loved, and fulfilled—and people loved her cooking.

A week after the funeral a lightning storm came through and caused trouble with our electricity. An electrician neighbor down the road heard we had trouble and came by to help troubleshoot and lend a hand. He said, “This is my way of giving back and sharing with others.” People all around the community had stories of how he had come by to help them with their electrical troubles.

We often hear about famous athletes who start foundations or do major campaigns to help this or that charity. But no less important is the part each of us plays in the community around us—the place we live—the people we know—our neighbors.

You Have Unique Gifts & Talents to Share as a Good Neighbor

God has given each of us gifts and talents to share with the world. We are all different and each of us contributes to the well being of the entire community. Each of us can be a good neighbor.

Some people have said I have a gift for writing. I struggle to write most of the time, so I don’t know. Readers will make up their own minds. But as I was pondering my own talents and abilities this morning, this verse spoke to me, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”^[1]

I am not an electrician. The stuff scares me. And although I was raised in the hospitality of the South, I am not good at cooking or entertaining. I am a bit of an introvert, to be truthful. But I have always loved books. I remember as a tiny curly-red-headed girl gazing with love at my little bookshelf full of Dr. Seuss books. Maybe my love of the written word will encourage someone along the way.

You are uniquely you and have gifts and talents to share with the world—no matter what your situation or circumstance. You are needed! You are valuable! You can be a good neighbor too! You will feel happier and more fulfilled as you reach out to others. Share a little love and do something kind for your neighbor today!

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Notes:

1. 1 Peter 4:10. ↑

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