(June 23, 2023) Carol Round challenges us to bless others.

‘I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live’ declares Ecclesiastes 3:12.

Standing on my deck, my five-year-old granddaughter sang a popular song released in the year 2000. At the top of her lungs, she sang, ‘Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who? Who let the dogs out? Who, who, who, who, who?’

As she belted out the lyrics, several neighbourhood dogs started barking and howling. Ruby stopped long enough to hear the dogs’ response before she continued singing. However, in a fit of giggles, she couldn’t continue when I said, ‘Ruby, I think they are singing along with you. What do you think?’

The rest of our day was filled with more happy moments as I experienced the joy life brings when you’re spending time with a child. Maybe that’s why Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14).

If you’re happy…
A recent devotional in Mornings with Jesus led me to contemplate the simplicity of being happy.

Barbranda Lumpkins Walls wrote about calling her mother, who lives in an assisted living facility. Although she calls several times a week, Walls was surprised by her mother’s answer one day when she called. ‘Hi, Mom. How are you doing?’

Says Walls, ‘Instead of answering, “I’m doing just fine,” her mother replied, ‘I’m happy as a hot dog!”’

After erupting into laughter, Walls’ mother added, ‘I have my health. I have a nice clean place to live and good food to eat. What more could I ask for? Honey, I’m wonderfully blessed.’

Finding happiness each day
With everything going on in our world today, it’s sometimes difficult to experience happiness. However, as the writer of Ecclesiastes says in chapter 13:1, ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.’

Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

When we’re experiencing trouble, we often forget to ‘count it all joy’ when ‘we fall into various trials’ (James 1:2-3). Without those trials, how could we grow in our faith, learn to appreciate each day – especially the simple things, and yes, learn patience?

The key to happiness
When I gave my life to Jesus, I discovered my real identity. Instead of being a people-pleaser and seeking to acquire things to fit in with the crowd, I learned happiness is found in the simple life and celebrating God’s goodness.

American pastor Henry Ward Beecher once said, ‘The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.’

I agree. It’s found in spending time with your loved ones and laughing until your side hurts. Sharing moments, whether in person or on the phone. And, even in a simple hot dog.

Sharing happiness can lead to…

Loving your neighbour as yourself
Walking my dog through the neighbourhood where I’ve lived for almost three years, I often stop to visit with those I’ve friended. Other times when a neighbour I’ve not met happens to be outside, I wave as I pass by. Other times, I find a reason to strike up a conversation with those I’ve not yet met.

Recently, on one of my walks, I started a conversation with a neighbour who was adding a pergola to the back of his house. Since I’ve been considering doing the same, I asked about the individual constructing his. I also wanted to know if he was satisfied with their work.
 
Eventually, and I can’t recall how, our conversation led to sharing our faith. While we don’t attend the same church, I believe our faith opened the door for future conversations.
 
Conversations with neighbours
The neighbourhood I live in is a blend of young and old, families with small children, and singles, like me. I’m blessed to live in this community of neighbours, even though I don’t personally know each one.

At least three of the families who live on my street have become close friends. My next-door neighbours – a couple the same age as I am – share my faith in God. The wife, Susie, and I often walk together and stop to visit with neighbours. If we don’t know them by name, we introduce ourselves.

Our conversations can include discussions about the weather, our lawns, our pets, or other ordinary topics. We seldom get into deep discussions, unless we find common ground, like our faith.

Finding common ground
Sometimes it’s difficult to meet and get to know a neighbour. Some work odd hours or work from home, sitting at their computer all day. Others ignore overtures of friendliness. Some are seldom seen outside, preferring instead to remain inside behind closed curtains and doors.

I might see a neighbour in passing, leaving for work, putting the trash out to be picked up on Fridays, or mowing the lawn. But so far, it’s been challenging to connect with those who, for some reason, prefer their anonymity.

I grew up in the 50s and 60s. It was a time when neighbours interacted daily. Children played games together outside. Stay-at-home moms met at each other’s homes to share coffee and recipes. Even the fathers in the neighbourhood bonded over their likes – a new car, lawn care equipment or the latest world news.

Times have changed
Times have changed. The world is in constant flux. People aren’t as friendly. Some are fearful and distrustful. They don’t always look out for their neighbours. And I must confess there are some neighbours who are hard to love.

Some of us take pride in taking care of our property. Others don’t, making it frustrating for the rest of us. But Jesus has commanded us to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is the second greatest commandment after loving ‘the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

I must remind myself I am not perfect. So, with that reminder, I often ask Jesus to help me see my unlovable neighbours through His eyes. Each time I do, I come one step closer to loving them.

Jesus’ precious encouragement

Matthew 22:34-40 is precious: ‘Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”’

Jesus replied:  ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”’
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Carol Round is an author and inspirational speaker. Her encouraging articles have appeared in national and international publications and she especially loves hearing from readers, saying ‘I would consider it an honour if you feel led to share this post with others.’ 

Growing Confidently in Your Faith. Carol openly shares her own intimate journey in becoming more like Jesus, initially borne of pain, and now bathed in promise. (See: http://bit.ly/2LGOvKN).Links: A Matter of Faith weekly column: carol@carolaround.com / www.carolaround.com.
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