Take time out to help a neighbor

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself"

- James 2:8 (NKJV)

I was grateful the snow had finally stopped falling. However, later that evening, another storm blew in and it started falling again fast and furious. Soon our neatly shoveled drive was again covered.

As I sat in my chair reading and wondering how many inches of snow would fall, I heard a snowblower.

I wondered where the sound was coming from. Since our driveways are side by side, oftentimes it is hard to distinguish if the echoes are coming from our driveway or our neighbor's. However, I figured it was just our next door neighbor clearing the path from their own driveway.

As I listened, the sound appeared as if it is was getting closer and closer. Approaching the kitchen sink to rinse off my dish, my upward glance caught the view of a shadow from the window facing me. A closer look revealed my neighbor's face beaming a huge smile of delight at me as I watched him blowing snow from our back patio in the dark, cold winter air.

I smiled back to say thank you as I went to the side window for a full view of our drive, which was now completely clear.

As I pondered over the sight, I couldn't get over how considerate he was to do this; and with a delightful heart, as well. He saw a need and fulfilled it.

Jesus instructed us to "love our neighbor." Our next door neighbor was willing to show us his family's love by taking extra time out that night to meet our need.

Whether it be a person in your household, neighborhood, or one who sits next to you at school or work, why not let Christ's love shine through you as you do something special to love your neighbor.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.