It was a very inviting doorway. I noticed it right after I arrived at the apartment; an entry sporting a lovely summer wreath, a pewter dove above the door and a wrought iron cross stuck in a pot of geraniums. I wondered who lived there, as I never saw anyone go in or out.
This week I was heading out to run some errands and, like every other day, I passed that doorway on the way to my car. But this particular day, I felt that familiar impression on my heart and heard the words “Go knock.”
“What Lord?”
“Go knock. I promise, you’ll be blessed.”
I had been having a hard week, so, though my heart beat sped up with a little trepidation as I approached the door, my need for a blessing won out.
I knocked and waited. When no one immediately came, I started to turn and leave when the door finally opened and there stood an elderly man in what reminded me of Florida tourist attire – except for the ball cap that was turned backward (gangsta fashion!) on his head of white hair.
“Oh! Well, um, hello!”, he said, quickly ripping the hat off his head in an embarrassed flourish. “I was expecting my daughter, and wanted to show her my ‘costume’ from a video I was filming down at the church. May I help you?”
“Hi! I’m your neighbor from the next building and have admired your welcoming doorway since I moved in. I assume by the cross and dove that you’re Christians, and I am, too. I just wanted to stop and introduce myself.”
By this time, his wife had joined him at the door.
“Oh, how lovely! We love to know our neighbors and, well, nobody really stops and introduces themselves anymore. Please, come in and have a glass of tea with us.”
I entered their warm apartment home, where I learned that they had lived for the past five years, after selling their large home in town when it became too much upkeep for them. Both now in their eighties, they’d decided that they weren’t ready for a retirement home; they wanted to be “where the young people are.” I smiled, as it was apparent that this mentality had gone a long way in keeping them young, as well.
They told me about their church, and how the media team called him to shoot some baskets with his hat turned around for a video they were making. He chuckled at it, as he’d never played basketball before in his life! I, however, loved that fact that he was willing. They told me about their family and their grandchildren, and how they met and were married just after his service in WWII. I was able to thank him for his service, at which he looked surprised, saying that not many had ever thanked him and that he really appreciated that. One of their grandsons is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, so I told him to send my thanks to him, as well.
We discussed my family and what our plans were. We discussed books and hobbies. We talked about our faith and the Bible. It was among the most pleasurable hours I’ve spent since I’ve moved here.
We exchanged phone numbers and emails (they are techno-savvy octogenarians!) and promised to get together again. As they walked me to the door, they told me what a blessing it was that I’d stopped by. It was then that I told them that they were God’s blessing to me, a gift in the obedience of a simple knock.
This is a very inspiring post. My grandmother would always say "ask and you shall receive" to me all the time when I was little. Of course I never fully grasped the true purpose of the meaning until later in life. I just thought if I asked for some homemade muffins I would get them! 🙂 I am glad you had the courage to knock and meet what sounds like good neighbors to know. I am sure you will keep in contact with them even after you find your permanent home.
It is amazing where we find kindred spirits. God is so good! Thank you for following God's nudging at every turn.
Blessings.
I love to thank our Military for their gift of self to protect and provide for us. I am thankful that you knocked and shared the blessing you received from your neighbors. May you continue to seek that heart of obedience, because it encourages me so!!!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
I love how you listened to God and were blessed and blessed your neighbors, too. I'm sure you made their day! Thanks, for inspiring us to listen and OBEY what God tells us to do, no matter what it is.
Blessings,
Joanne
What an awesome encounter. You made me feel I
Glad you are settling in so well
hugs,
tammy
What a wonderful post. It is a true reminder to listen to His voice!
Now that's what I'm talking about! A sacred intersection between hearts if there ever was one. I had my own today on the phone with a road runner operator. Before we were done with "business" we were discussing the kingdom and walking in faith.
We're everywhere … kingdom carriers. May we always be so bold in our approach to the world! Thanks for knocking your way into their hearts. Now, come knocking my way, will you?
peace~elaine
Oh we are kindred sisters for sure because I would have loved to have visited them with you! I am so glad you following the Spirit's prompting to your heart.
What a blessing you were to them!
Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) "Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."
Much Love,
Jan
What a precious story! I know you blessed their hearts as much as they blessed yours.
God is so good to know just what we need and when we need it. How wonderful that you were obedient and knocked on that door.
I miss you sweet friend and wish we could visit over a big ole glass a tea!
You are amazing! And so obedient. What a blessing you all were to one another.
Love, Jen
PS: Did you receive my email last week?
LOVE it!
Melinda:
This is a very special post. I am glad you were able to thank him for his service.
Thank you for obeying His voice.
What a sweet story…and you have a way of telling a story that always makes me cry (which I don't do a lot) LOL! I'll bet you made their day.
This is one awesome read! One of the best posts from any blog, any time. I just love it and now know for certain I will be coming your way for lunch. I want to meet your new friends too. Just love it! Time for another read…
What a sweet post – and a testimony of obedience. I wish I could say that I always listen when God whispers things like that me. Usually they seem to out of the ordinary or too "out there", and I think, "God, you want me to do what? What will I say?" Recently He impressed on me so strongly to ask a neighbor that I barely know to take a walk. I wish I could say I obeyed. Instead I chickened out. Your post reminds me of the blessing of obeying, and not worrying about the unknown details. Thanks.