My one request when we moved to Dayton, Ohio, from Staten Island, New York? To live in a neighborhood.
I wanted neighbors. I wanted my kids to play in the driveway with other neighbor kids. I wanted to take my kids for wagon rides around the cul-de-sac. I didn’t want to be in the country (my husband’s first choice), alone with three children under three years old and no one to borrow eggs from in a cooking emergency. I needed, and wanted, people around me. I wanted neighbors.
It didn’t take long once we moved in for walks around the cul-de-sac to become a daily part of our schedule. One particular walk became a moment in my history with God that is forever marked with a remembrance stone, modeling the Israelites. Why? Because God showed up in a big way!
I was raised to know my neighbors and share my faith through living life side by side. So, I came into my new neighborhood wanting to share my love for Jesus as the heartbeat of our home and parenting through daily interaction over ordinary life situations with our new neighbors.
I came into my new neighborhood wanting to share my love for Jesus as the heartbeat of our home.
As I pulled the wagon with my children sitting inside, I saw her approaching me from the opposite direction. Somewhere in the middle of a brief introduction to one another I mentioned getting up every day at 5:00 AM. Obviously intrigued, she asked why I got up this early every day! I froze for what seemed like five minutes but was really a mere breath or two.
I knew in that moment God was asking me to share why I woke up so early, but out of my mouth came a weak, “To just do things.” Smiling, she moved on in our conversation.
Can I just tell you the overwhelming sense of guilt that slammed right into my heart as I picked up the wagon handle to finish our walk? I wanted a do over. I wanted a second chance.
After scolding myself for a good day or two, I became still over the situation. I silently whispered, begging God for a second chance. Not because I deserved it. Not because I was worthy. But, because I wanted a second chance to speak of my early morning quiet times with someone so important to me. I wanted to share how I find empowerment for a day with little ones, wisdom for daily decisions and peace that passes all understanding in those early morning quiet times.
One week to the day, in His infinite grace, He gave me what I didn’t deserve, a second chance. He opened the door wide for me as my kids and I journeyed around the cul-de-sac yet once again! I must have said “Thank You!” a thousand times, like a teenager who gets Chik-Fil-A for no reason.
It was like the clouds divided and the angels sang a song when she asked for more details about my early mornings. He is a God of second chances.
Because of my regret, which led to my request, God opened a door to walk right through with a gentle spirit, ready to share openly with my neighbor in my neighborhood.
For more of Lisa’s insightful and engaging life lessons, her devotional and other materials visit www.deeperstillministries.com.
To be entered to win Words with God, Lisa’s 31-day devotional, you can:
- Comment on this post
- Pin an image from this page
- Tweet this:
Do you need a do-over in your neighborhood? We serve a God of second chances!Click To TweetPowered By CoSchedule
- Share this Facebook post
Well, now I’m on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened! But I can imagine that you took advantage of that second chance, and let the Holy Spirit lead you into a sweet conversation with your neighbor. I too have been walking the streets of my neighborhood, inviting my neighbor ladies over for coffee and conversation, praying for meaningful friendships down the road. I want to share Christ with the people God placed on my street, and I can only do that as he leads me and walks beside me, or maybe I should say – as he walks in front of me!
God is so merciful, He is the God of second, third and more chances. I’ve been trying to plan a neighbourhood cafe to reach out to my neighbours for some months, and I’m praying for God to direct me in my next step. Please pray for me.
LOVE Lisa Meiners perspective. We do serve a God of second chances, big and small. So thankful for that and thankful for this reminder.
So inspiring to listen as Lisa Meiner shares her encounters with God. The ministry door of “Deeper Still” reaching out …..1 person….1 group…..growing a neighborhood.
Love this story of God giving second chances. He is so awesome in knowing our hearts and giving us second chances. I am hoping to have my first neighborhood café within three to four weeks. I live in the country and plan on using the houses on my walking route to invite neighbors. Please pray for the neighbors and myself as this all develops.
I will be praying with you and for you, Mary!
Thank you, Amy!
Debbie Garrison Rhoades won this giveaway for her Facebook post! Debbie, please send me your shipping address. Congratulations!