Loving My Neighbor

In a lot of ways, this blog is like a journal for me...a way to look back and think about what is going on in my life at a given time. For the past week, I've been thinking a lot about "Who is my neighbor?/Loving my neighbor." and how to apply it to everyday life. (Are you thinking Veggie Tales yet?) I've observed my parents do this and some of my friends are really good at it, but I think I sometimes get so wrapped up in my life that I forget to "love my neighbor." When I think about how my friends do this, I think about how Priscilla and Jennifer W. and Jennifer N. are great encouragers. Amanda has watched my girl(s) so many times and shared toys, clothes, and even a toddler bed. Renee amazes me in the way she gives of her time. I could go on about others, too. I'm so blessed to have friends like this.
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to "love my neighbor" in a tangible way. As we were loading up the girls at Panera, an older model van pulled up beside my dad and me and stopped. In it was a man in a wheelchair, his wife, and 5 mo old baby. They were travelling from Oregon and were low on gas and short on money. I NEVER have more than a dollar or two on me, but I had actually got cash the day before and was able to give to them what I had. After they drove away, I thought "You know, they could have been panhandlers, but I don't think so, because what are the odds that I'd be asked for help on the one day I really could. And could it be coincidence that the opportunity to help someone comes along just at the time that I'm thinking about how to better love my neighbor." The next statement may not make sense to anyone but me, but I felt like the Lord was saying, "I'm here. I want to be involved in your life. I care about you, just like I care about that family." How often does the Lord want us to give of ourselves, whether it is our money, our time, etc. but we miss out because we're too wrapped up in our own desires. I'm sure my own selfishness causes me to miss out on blessings that the Lord has in store for me, but aren't you glad He doesn't give up on us?