Loving my Neighbors

Matthew 22:37-39

And He said to them, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Over the past year I have come across this verse or similar ones quite often. There is no doubt this is a constant reminder. Depending on how technical you want to get, this command is written in the bible anywhere from 8 to 18 times. Suffice to say it is an important message. Sometimes this is easy, sometimes not so much. I have been challenged many times over the last 4 years trying to follow through. I have questioned the Lord but am reminded, to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him in Psalm 37:7. I have also questioned my ability to love a neighbor (or two). Fortunately it's mostly the latter that proves most difficult. It is a constant battle that I struggle with and work to rectify on a daily basis, but, I have no problem loving my neighbor, Lynn.

Following through when you have friends like Lynn is easy. Lynn has been my precious friend and spiritual mentor who meets with me every week. She has shared with me her great knowledge of God’s works and kept me on track when she saw me off the rails. Her insightful guidance always resonates. Lynn has a very special way of keeping your spirit positive while digging deep to get to the core of an issue. My faith has been made stronger by Lynn’s dedication to our weekly visits. (17 year friendship)

My sister- in -law, Peggy, has been a breath of fresh air. She checks in on a regular basis to see how we are doing. She always asks about the kids and keeps me informed about the cousins and what they are up to. It is wonderful for my children and I to not feel forgotten and disposable. It is a very interesting dynamic to lose a whole side of your family of 20 years, so it makes me smile every time I get a text from Peggy.

There are still so many people who have had my back, helped me out and shown me extraordinary kindness. Mike F, for always lending a hand and making me laugh. Mark for regularly checking in every few weeks to see how I am holding up. Alice, for our coffee talks. Ann Marie and Beth for our happy hour chats. Lane, Sophia, Stefanie, Jon, and Brian for all their help getting the house ready to go on the market. Paul for the dump runs. Mary and Frannie for always making sure I have fun. Tammi and Robb for going above and beyond to ensure Delia and I are safe, emotionally and physically. I am so pleased with my book club friends for engaging conversation. I am grateful for Karol, Kriss, Diane, Sue, Megan, Heidi, Susan, Heather and Mike for keeping me entertained. Tim for always driving to Big block and the cast of characters we get to hang out with. I am blessed to have Frances, Gigi, and Anne sending me prayers. Lucky to have Mike C and Candace for understanding and inspiring me and Kiama for helping me with listings. I am always thrilled when Lauray organizes our 3 month get together with the same group of woman who are compassionate and beautiful. The National Charity League ladies have certainly stood behind me and were always there for me, just as you would expect from that amazing group of givers.

I hope I didn’t forget anyone, please forgive me if I did. I am overwhelmed by such a dynamic group of people that I call friends. I truly couldn’t have gotten through the turmoil and trauma of divorce and moving without all of you. You have lifted my spirits, reminded me I was worthy of love, and helped me keep moving forward. I was discussing a few things with Jill last night and told her I was tired of thinking about the changes in my life and I was sure everyone else was too. I feel a noticeable difference in my attitude since I have moved. I feel strong and that puts a smile on my face. Thank you all for your magical giving.