The Joy of Neighbors

                                                             How nice to have a backyard fence

                                                             Across which neighbors chat,

                                                             Exchange a cookie recipe-

                                                             Or speak of this and that...

                                                             Someone who'll reach to hold your hand

                                                             When you are feeling sad,

                                                             Or double-twice your happiness

                                                             When you are feeling glad!

                                                             Today my neighbor called to me,

                                                             "Come see my summer rose!"

                                                             And as we chat her coffeepot

                                                             Boils up and overflows.

                                                             We laugh together and she says,

                                                             "Oh well, come in for tea."

                                                             We share a fence, a rose, a cup-

                                                             And, oh, how blessed are we!

Taken from: Quiet Moments for Women by June Masters Bacher

                Copyright © 1979 by Harvest House Publishers

                                                                     Eugene, Oregon

                                                                     Used by Permission.

Yesterday, I got home from work, early, to find one of my dearest neighbors out in her front yard.  Her husband came out, and we chatted in my driveway (as we were admiring my new-ish Ford Escape...I've had it for a couple of months, now), and stayed to chat with us for a while.  As we chatted, my sons unloaded my car, another neighbor came and went, and her husband went inside.  But, having not seen each other in person for a couple of weeks, we sat in the shade and visited for the better part of an hour.  We have been neighbors and friends for almost 33 years.  God has showered us with wonderful, Godly neighbors who have been blessings to us for all that time, and I can never praise him, nor thank him enough!  One of my greatest joys in this life, is knowing that I will get to spend eternity in heaven, with these same people!   

I use many poems written by June Masters Bacher from the devotional book cited above.  This book was given to me by another very dear friend and neighbor, for Christmas in 1985, and I am rediscovering the messages found in this book.  The messages that God clearly laid on Mrs. Bacher's heart.  Thank you, Kathy B. for giving this to me, so long ago! 

My prayer for you, today, is that you will find joy in your friends, neighbors, and community.  That you will stick together in the good times and bad.  That you will laugh and cry with each other.  And, that you will love each other, and praise God together for all eternity.  Thank you, Lord, in advance for answering this prayer!

Love, Hugs, and Prayers for All,