Giving Trees

When we moved into our neighborhood 4.5 years ago we quickly realized that the medium age of our immediate neighbors was over 50.  The three neighbors across from us were in their 70's or 80's.  Not quite what we expected, as a young 25 year old couple with a baby on the way.  However, God has used this situation to show our neighbors love through our acts of service (and cute kids).  The first time it snowed significantly, we realized just our much they needed us.  David has even had to rescue one of their cats from a tree :)  We have also been shown kindness and love from them.  They love to make over the kids when we stop and say "Hi" on walks.  One in particular has taken David under his wing in many ways.  He has shown him how to trim our front tree, allowed David to use his tools and sometimes even beats us to snow blowing our driveway.  

Over the years we have realized that one thing is the same for all of them...they live alone.

We talked about this with the boys this month and explained to them that we should do something to show our neighbors that we love them and more importantly that Jesus loves them.  We wanted them to know someone is thinking about them.  So, we originally decided we wanted to make them Christmas wreaths...who knew wreaths were so pricy!  And, when Samuel saw the options he was way more excited about mini Christmas trees.  So, mini Christmas trees we bought.

Tonight, after preschool, we set about decorating these babies.  We had some mini ornaments, random yarn, and a few glittery sticks.  Ethan loved using his scissors to cut the yarn (any opportunity for fine motor practice ;) ) and Samuel loved hanging the bulbs.  

When David got home from work, we went out and delivered them.

The boys had so much fun and didn't know why we didn't have trees for the whole neighborhood.   It was so exciting to see their little hearts be opened to giving and beginning to understand what it means to love your neighbor.  I can't wait to see what God does to grow this in their lives.   Also, I can't wait to see how he gives our family more opportunities to love on our neighbors.