By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

As I finished high school, there was a popular song at the time by Janet Jackson entitled, “What have you done for me lately?”  It asked a very interesting question.  However, in the words of that question are implications of greed, jealousy, and the fact that it should be all about me.  Instead, the Lord reminds us to love our neighbor, which certainly means it absolutely cannot be all about me.  It must be about the others around me.

What you are seeing on this platter is some homemade sourdough bread in the shape of the number “50.”  The bread was made by one friend for another and shared as a surprise during a simple little supper at our church Vacation Bible School recently.  I won’t share their names, at risk of embarrassing them, but one person was turning the big 5-0 that particular day, and the other person knew it and decided to share this surprise in honor of the other person.  One neighbor, one friend, doing a simple little something out of love and friendship for another, with no want for anything in return.

That’s how we are to love our neighbors.  Another friend helped me yesterday by pulling a heavy trailer from one location to another where I needed it stored.  When I thanked this friend, the response was, “Y’all are always doing things for us, too.”  No deeds expected in return, but appreciated never-the-less.  One neighbor loving another.

Your life is no doubt full of very similar examples.  And I find it very interesting that the very people who respond with a thankful heart for our kindnesses are just as willing to show the same kindnesses toward us – not because we shared, but because they see and understand the goodness of God as well.

In your very busy week ahead, don’t overlook the opportunities to love on your neighbors.  What may seem like such a very simple gesture on your part may very well be the kindest thing shared with your neighbor this week.  And then give God the thanks for allowing you to be a blessing.  For it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

My friends you are.

Just a thought.