by Susan C.

The other day my "mission" was to bless three neighbors by giving then a jar of candy. :-) The first doorbell I rang was beside the wide open front door of a couple I really wanted to reach. The sound rang through the house twice, but was not answered. I felt awkward, vulnerable, and rejected knowing they were home. Doorbell two rang in a home where no one appeared to be present.

My third try resulted in contact with a neighbor I had met twice. She was embarrassed to be in her pajamas, but smiled and relaxed when I complimented her attractive “leisure wear." We chatted, she thanked me for the candy, and I think we both had a positive exchange.

After that, I saw a formidable man unloading groceries from his car, and he became my fourth "target". :-) He was guarded until I introduced myself and my task. He accepted the candy with a smile and thanks, so I didn’t interrupt his unloading any further.

My last stop was at the home of a lady I barely know. Her chronic health issues prevent her participation in many activities. She was resting when her doorbell rang, but seemed pleased to chat a little while. Why had I not reached out to visit this sweet, gentle soul before?

None of the five homes I visited are more than three doors away. I’m ashamed that I have lived in a twenty home cul-de-sac for forty years and could not recognize any of the occupants of these five households, and others, in a crowd. The eight original homeowners know and support each other, but outreach to newcomers has been dismal.

I started this day aware of my nervous feelings, but have since reflected on how my neighbors would describe their jar experience. It’s not about me! I learned that God requires action. He will set the stage, but I must step out on it. I learned that good intentions don’t get you where you need to go, your feet do. My next step is to ask two neighbors to join me in organizing and promoting a “neighborhood garage brunch” for early next year. I can't wait to see who I meet next.