His steps are slow, and a bit shaky, but his faithful elderly lab is always by his side leaning against him in case he needs 
support. Jim always has a smile, even though it is evident those steps are getting more difficult and more painful. I look forward to passing Jim and Stella everyday. A few blocks over, is sweet Edna, whose green thumb is always evident. Her home surrounded with flowers and perfect shrubs that are all beginning to bloom. She refuses to hear that I don’t have a green thumb, and is determined to turn that around for me. Good luck with that Edna! Then there is Millie. She meets me at the driveway and tells me the same story with just as much excitement every time I see her. Her dementia is progressing, and I remember when she was younger and would pass me on her bicycle. Things took a turn for the worse quickly for Millie. She’s a fighter. I love hearing her story, over and over. Some days she remembers my name, other days I am new in her life. She loves Mabel and never forgets her name. Mabel stops at her driveway every day to see if she will be coming out.
I set out a couple years ago to get to know my neighbors on my walk/running path. This has been one resolution I have
kept. I am glad. I have to say, in all the dark places this past year, it has kept the sun shining. It has given me an outlet to serve, even if just a conversation, and kind word. It has taught me that things are not always as they seem. Don’t judge others on appearance. There is a whole lot going on that is not seen. Those boxes piled up at the end of the driveway, and messy yard that a neighbor is complaining about? Losing several family members, and facing terminal cancer can put those piled up boxes on the back burner. When a heart is breaking, pulling the weeds is not a priority.
I pray for every house I pass. There are several houses Mabel always stops at, looks at the door, looks at me, and continues on. I stop and lift up a few extra prayers at those homes. I know she knows <3 I don’t know what is happening with each person, but I know God does. I may not be able to do big things, but I can do small things that may have a big impact. And if it involves helping my neighbor pull some weeds and haul off some boxes…..that is small in the face of the sadness they are walking through. I realized today that my resolution several years ago has been my life saver during this time of pandemic. I could still serve. And it’s all in that saving serve that brings the greatest miracles. And you know what? Recently, faithful Jim and sweet Stella, stopped and talked to me for awhile. Stella leaned on me during this talk. It was as if she knew I needed the support that day. I did. Little did he know his conversation was the thing that got me through a very tough day. His little prayer and Stella hug was just what I needed.
You never know what you will do in life that will change a day. The day changed may even be yours! Even if it is simply a smile. That smile could be the thing that makes a difference in someones life. You never know what a person is going through. Grace, a kind word, even a smile and wave hello, can sure go a long way. Serve, Step Out, See Miracles. My heart is grateful. lisabain.com Mark 12:31