Thursday, December 15, 2011



It was almost 6:00pm.  I had my three little grandchildren over for dinner.  Dinner with extra young ones is a busy time.  My day started at 5:00am and I had been going strong all day.  I was tired, the noise level was higher than our quiet empty nest usually provides, and the demands of the season were on my mind.  The doorbell rang.  As I hurried to the front door, I expected a delivery from the friendly UPS man.  Instead, there stood a neighbor holding a gorgeously wrapped box out to me.  Here he said, "my wife and I want to give you this, for being our wonderful neighbors".  He talked briefly, he smiled, said good-bye, and he was gone.  I stood there looking at this beautifully wrapped gift box, and let me tell you, I would'nt
have cared if the box was empty, because my spirits had already been lifted, no matter what was inside the box.  I can't tell you what a boost that was in my day. 




I took the wrapped box into the kitchen, and three little ones swarmed around us, as my husband and I opened the small, square box.  There arranged perfectly were tiny, festively decorated truffles from a pastry shop.  What an extraordinary surprise in the middle of an ordinary day in December.  I share this with each of you, so just incase you feel prompted to share a gift with your neighbors, you will be made aware the joy it could bring to them.  Size and price do not matter.  What does matter is that one takes the time to care, whether you know your neighbors well or not.




As the sun set after dinner last evening, I felt a deep gratitude in my heart for the many gifts I have been given, and for the great privilege we have to give to others this Christmas season, however small that gift may be. 

"We can give without loving, but we cannot love without giving." 

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Both quotes by Roy B. Zuck

10 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Your post is just so up-lifting and sweet! I love the quotes too. I am printing them out for my refrigerator :)

Debbie said...

You must be a really good neighbor! :D How thoughtful and what joy this gift brought to you and I'm sure to 3 little ones who got a great lesson in love and giving. But I'm sure they get those often in your family. What a nice neighbor you have, too! My first reaction was, "Where can I get that ribbon?"
Debbie

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, Oh what joy this gift brought you; what love poured out.
This is such an encouragement to go out of the way and do something special for someone. I love to surprise friends with unexpected blessings; thanks for sharing with us.
Noreen

Christine said...

It's the thought that counts!
And your neighbor thinks a lot of you and your husband.
Great quote!

lindsey said...

Great post thank you Judy. What wonderful little cakes...we call these French fancies (if they are sponge with cream filling and fondant icing) and are amongst my favourite cakes! I am sure you are wonderful neighbours....I can only imagine what it must be like living next door to your home :)

a woman who is said...

Lovely reminder, thank you! Those were beautiful!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Interesting... you mention that the surprise and the beautifully wrapped box would have been enough... and I know exactly what you mean!

But those toothsome affairs inside the box are pretty amazing too!

What beautiful neighbors you both must be.........

Lovella ♥ said...

I am enjoying a quiet evening here before the busyness tomorrow. I can so relate to your dinner time with little ones. We'll have four little ones . .four years old and under for two days.
Yikes..they are excited and I am a bit too.
I love that you had such a lift in your day from your neighbor. Something tells me you deserved it.

Judy said...

I too can relate to the busyness of having little ones over for an extended visit. I had two of my grands here for several days this week...a fun and busy time!

What a sweet gesture from your neighbours. And maybe a little nudge to show appreciation for those around us this season...spread the joy!

LisaShaw said...

This is a precious post!

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