“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”— Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

This month, my focus for Galatians 5:14 has been how I need to love others as Jesus loves me. Last week, God revealed to me how I needed to be more intentional building up those closest to me. 

This week, God blessed me with being the recipient of being loved by one of my neighbor’s. When I was on my way home from shopping, I looked at the car in front of me and it was one of my neighbor’s. I was planning on texting her that day because I had been praying for her family. We were about 6 miles from our homes, so I had no idea if she was going home like I was. She was. When she pulled into her driveway, I stopped so that I could visit with her. 

This is another neighbor that I have recently gotten to know better. For over 10 years, I would wave to her when I would see her, but never took the time to go beyond that. I know part of that is because her children are younger than mine, but really that is no excuse.

We have an annual holiday cookie exchange in our neighborhood every December. Finally, this past year, we were both there at the same time. I got to visit with her and we had a really nice conversation. She is one of the sweetest most spirit filled woman that I have met. Her joy is contagious. She finds the good in everything. I need more people like that in my life don’t you? To think that all those years, all I did was wave to her when I should have made more of an attempt to get to know her.

After she updated me on her family, she also shared how we are all treasured by God and how precious we are to Him. He loves us and wants what is best for us, we just have to trust Him. I really needed to hear that. Sometimes I feel so inadequate with my book project. I have a hard time accepting that God chose ME to do this. 

Not only did God choose me to do this, He gave me an awesome publisher, Harvest House, and an amazing agent, Adria, that believe in me and my mission. I am so humbled to be given this opportunity.

Why is it so hard for some us to accept God’s grace, mercy and blessings that He wants to bestow upon us? Why don’t I feel worthy of His gifts that He wants to so graciously give me? It is because in my humanness, I can’t fathom His unending love for me. This is where faith and trust come into the equation. 

The Bible tells me that I am God’s masterpiece and all I am doing was planned long ago. God loves me so much, that He has carefully orchestrated my life so that I can do His work that I am doing right now. I continue to trust God’s plans for me and have faith that it will continue to fall in place.

I am so thankful that God gave my neighbor those words that she spoke out to me. It was exactly what I needed to hear to persevere with my last patterns, writing, and editing this upcoming week.

Dear Lord,

Thank You for putting people in my life who speak Your truth into me. Give me opportunities to get to know the people in my neighborhood by more than a wave. Help me to accept Your grace and love for me. I ask for an unwavering faith to trust You with all of the opportunities that I have every day to share Your love with those around me. Continue to bless my hands with Kingdom work. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.