The narrow strip of lawn that separates my driveway and my neighbor’s driveway is an unusual location for a pastoral visit. This past Wednesday (October 9th) was a long day. I left home at 9 a.m. and returned home at 6:55 p.m., just in time to log in for the new midweek Prayer Meeting Series (Major Messages from the Minor Prophets). While still in my jacket and tie, I was relieved when a member encouraged me to remove the jacket and tie and just relax. That invitation to remove the jacket and tie settled me, and I found comfort and relief in being in a safe and spirit-filled place. Our midweek study into the Book of Hosea, where attendees shared and prayed together, was refreshing, inspirational, and just what I needed. Special things can happen when we attend prayer meetings.
Now, back to the strip of lawn and the unusual pastoral meeting. Kumar and Shushma are my neighbors. They moved into the neighborhood about a year ago. They are friendly and Michelle and I have shared meals, treats, backyard help, and conversation. My conversations with Kumar and Shushma usually revolve around food, home improvement projects, cricket, and Indian festivals. They are truly good neighbors. They are part of a new generation of workers who spend Monday to Friday working from home. They both have offices in their home, and they seemed to be working 24/7. On Wednesday evening, after the prayer meeting ended, I went outside to retrieve my empty recycling bins, which had been placed on the roadside early in the morning before I left for work. As I walked back to my home, I was startled to see them outside. As I said before, they rarely spend time outside due to the demands of their work.
After a quick greeting, our conversation pivoted quickly to the stress and demands of work. Kumar was overwhelmed at working 12-14 hours a day, and Shushma also voiced her displeasure over the stressful long work week. I invited them to think about taking some breaks during the day and going on walks around the neighborhood to refresh themselves. I teased them about their exercise program of sitting in front of their super large TV with over 750 channels. They laughed at my joke and asked if I would also like 750 channels. The answer was no, I just don’t have the time. They freely accepted the fact that a walk during the day might help to reduce the stress and anxiety of work. I then shared that I would pray for them and the ways they could combat and reduce stress in their lives. Both thanked me for my prayers and agreed that they would look for ways to reduce stress in their lives. The meeting that evening was indeed a divine appointment.
God has called each of us as members of the Body of Christ to be witnesses in the communities in which we live. As Michelle and I prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday, we are grateful for living in Canada and for the neighbors we have. Our prayer is that we will be neighbors who reflect Christ’s love and concern for those around us.
In closing, thank you, Willowdale Church members, for your food donations, which were collected and delivered by our Adventurer and Pathfinder Clubs to the Harvest North York Food Bank.
Pastor Glenn DeSilva