Neighbors

My heart is heavy this morning because of a neighbor--she lives a stone's throw from my front door--two down. Yesterday I sat on our front steps and listened to her boys play (they are almost the same ages as our children...4 and 7)--their voices carry to our yard.

She is in the final stages of cancer and will likely pass any day. I don't know her very well, as we've only had a few conversations during the time they've lived here (only a year). But, we've talked enough for me to know that they don't attend church and are uncomfortable talking about spiritual things. The last time I saw her was a few months ago--we ran across each other in the children's section of the library. We were both looking for picture books for our kids and we exchanged greetings and news. Sadly, I watched her choose a book on Buddha off the display rack.

Often, I feel humbled and helpless in such circumstances. I know that He longs to draw us all to Him and that He uses all things for good. Even (and perhaps particularly) tragic things. My father came to the Lord through his leukemia and although I hate that disease, I am so grateful that God used it for good.

Who knows how God will use our acts of kindness? Who knows how far our reach extends? I think of my grandfather, who was a proud and seemingly unreachable man. After his death, we found a New Testament Bible among his things. To our surprise, key passages were underlined throughout the gospels--passages about believing in Christ and eternal life. We found out later that a young neighbor had been talking with him about the Lord. Thank God for the faithfulness of such neighbors--neighbors who may never know the fruit of their efforts in this world.

So, please pray for Melissa and her family. I will bring her flowers and a card this morning. It feels like such a tiny light in such a dark place. Pray that the words will touch her heart (part of it is a psalm written out) and for His light to shine in her darkness.