Spying on the neighbors

Maybe it’s just me, but do you ever like to watch the neighbors and see what they’re up to? I confess that have done this wherever we live. When I’m by a window that looks out to the neighbors, I often glance up and see what is happening. Usually my neighbor would just be unloading her groceries or getting her mail. Here, it’s a little different story. My neighbors last week were using an oxen as they planted crops! I always feel like I'm walking into the pages of a National Geographic magazine when I look at them.

Jeff has been leading the older boys on Thursday afternoons to serve eight of the neighboring families around this place. I love his idea, because he wants to show these orphans that there is always someone they can help. He is teaching them that we are actually rich here in India at this orphanage, because we are healthy, have strong minds and bodies, have enough food, clean water, etc. Some of the neighbors are “poorer” than us, so we want to be a blessing to them. It has been a beautiful thing to watch as these boys have for the first time served this village.

During our sharing time at a campfire the other night, Kamal (age 17) said, “I had always thought God blesses those who help themselves, but now I know that God helps those who help others.” I love having a front row seat to watch God as He works in the lives of these boys and in this village.

“You are blessed to be a blessing.” -Beth Moore
We've not been blessed by God just to keep it all to ourselves. May we never let the blessing stop with us, but always pour out that blessing onto others.