Love Your Neighbor

Most Saturday mornings you will find my husband and me sitting at Dunkin sipping our coffees, chatting with the employees and playing a card game. We love to start the morning out this way, before the busyness of the weekend. The employees know us by name and we purposely get to know them. 

Our weekend morning dates started years ago. We chose this coffee shop, because it’s close to home. Both of us felt like God pressed it on our hearts to really love our community. When we order our coffee, we ask, “How are you doing today?” At first, they would answer “good” automatically. We would ask, “How are you really doing?” Slowly over time, they learned they could be real. We have listened, comforted and let them know we care. Over the years some of the girls have expressed interest in college, and we’ve offered to help them fill out the applications and we cheer them on every step of the way.

While we play our game, several folks usually stop and ask us about whatever game we have chosen for that weekend. Skyjo was a favorite for a long time and folks would stop to learn about it. We love explaining the game and chatting to people as we play. In a world full of technology and disconnection we love seeing others catch onto the simplicity of drinking coffee and playing games.

One such weekend we two young guys in their twenties approached us as we played. They joked they wanted to join the game and then asked how long we had been married. My husband replied, thirty years this July and they quickly began asking questions. They wanted to know the secret to a successful marriage. We began to talk about open communication, forgiving one another and being selfless.  The conversation was incredible and I couldn’t help but get excited that two local young men were having this amazing conversation with us. The simple act of playing a game had opened a door for meaningful conversation.

Luke 10:27 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”  When you think back to all God has done in your life, you can’t help but pour out to others throughout your day. Take time to be present and give an encouraging word. Whether that’s the person ringing up your order, someone sitting next to you in a coffee shop or your next-door neighbor. 

Kelly Parent