Monday, February 9, 2015

Our Neighbor Afton

My dear sweet sister in law (hi lindsay!!) recently posted again about the importance of record keeping and journaling. She is SUCH a good example, and SO inspiring. She is a busy mom of 4 but blogs almost but every day. I love reading her blog, it's so fun and I can keep up with their life! I've been doing better  this year, but still have a lot of room for improvement!

The other day I dropped the boys off at Joy School at 9. It was the most beautiful morning. Seriously, this weather is crazy. It was 65 degree out yesterday... in FEBRUARY!? I can't even believe it. Anyway when I was coming up to our house, I noticed our sweet elderly neighbor was out blowing leaves and cleaning out her flower beds. I thought I should go help her. Then like I always do, I started justifying why I shouldn't. "If she needed help she would ask. She probably likes having something to do."

Then I remembered something I had read the other day. I don't remember where I read it and I had heard it before but it basically was teaching about how to discern from out own thoughts and that of the spirit (something I have a hard time with), but then I read something about how if it's something good then just act upon it and you don't have to wonder if it's the spirit or your own thoughts. 99% of the time it will be an impression from the Spirit.

So I decided, OK what is the harm in just going over and asking if she wants help?! It's a good intention! So I went over. She didn't need any help and was loving just being outside and having something to do (like I had kind of expected), but you know what? We talked for a good 20 minutes. I learned about where she grew up, she loves horses and grew up with them, her Dad owned a boarding horses place, she has 3 kids, one passed away a few years ago from a blood clot even though he was super healthy, she has been devastated from it, her and Gene (her husband) have lived in their home for 40 years, they used to live in California, she has wonderful grandchildren, she tended other kids for many years for extra income, she hates when she sees kids playing on their devices all the time. I learned all these fun facts about her. You know what else I learned? She's funny, she's kind, she's willing to serve others (she offered to watch baby girl when she is born if I wanted to take the boys anywhere), she's a good listener, she likes to be busy and she's interesting. I made a good friend of this 80 something year old women in just the 20 minutes I took the time to talk to her. I've talked with her a few others times, but  I just love her all the more now. 

So no, I didn't help her with any yard work, but I think I brightened her day. Heck, maybe I didn't but I know she brightened mine. :) We have so much to learn from others!

2 comments:

The Gwilliams said...

Haha Hi Kayla! Okay YOU are the one who started this whole blogging thing every day and were MY inspiration. I guess we're all here for each other :)

Anonymous said...

You rock'! Just saying!