"Hi neighbour Ans, would you perhaps like to come and have dinner with us for Christmas?" So, the high word was out on my part. Thinking of inviting someone is one thing, but actually doing it, inviting a complete stranger for a meal at Christmas, is another.
Praying in the attic
After years of receiving in the church congregation where we are members, the desire to share grew. To share of the good, of God's grace, of His love and endless goodness. And that especially with those around us, our neighbours. But how to do that? About a decade ago, this was the desire of our hearts. We started praying for it. Every Saturday morning we arranged babysitting for the children and in the attic we met with a small group to pray. In addition, we decided that we also needed to connect with our neighbours, to get to know them.
A little uncomfortable
And so one day in early December, I stood at neighbour Ans' door to invite her to a Christmas meal. Ans accepted the invitation somewhat hesitantly. Back home, we discussed it. Well, isn't it a bit uncomfortable for her, being a guest on her own? Shall we ask some neighbours? No sooner said than done. Neighbour Sandra and later neighbour Bert agreed to join us. Fine, of course, a meal at Christmas. But that sharing of that goodness, the coming of Jesus to earth, how do we actually go about it...?
Glory be to God
Boxing Day. Everyone present, a little awkward at first, but then relaxed and cosy. There is good food and the children chat pleasantly with the guests. We tell a Christmas story, our way of sharing at the moment. Waiting for dessert, neighbour Ans asks if she can play some more songs behind the piano. After a few songs, it is suddenly quiet as she plays Ere zij God and sings softly along. A voice cautiously joins in. And so suddenly there is a very special moment, God himself is present. After the song, there is a moment of silence, a peaceful stillness. A conversation follows. Neighbour Ans says she remembers this song from the old days, Christmas parties at home with her grandmother behind the pipe organ. And neighbour Bert remembers this song from school.
Persevere
Just a moment from our lives. Years ago, we decided to share. To share what we had received ourselves. To be open to those around us. And that takes some doing. Tears, persevering when something seems hopeless, persevering in the small. It gives us a lot. Precious moments with neighbours around an open Bible, fun coming up with all kinds of activities in which we can be creative, beautiful people we meet.
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Growth under God's blessing
Flower Power has since grown into a neighbourhood initiative with multiple activities. We didn't think it would grow like this. It happened, under God's blessing. And one thing led to another. The first activity was a meeting with neighbours on the street just before Christmas. Snert, a fire and buns to bake. The children could make a lantern. Everyone was allowed to hang a wish for the neighbourhood in the tree. We set to work with these wishes. This gave rise to a neighbourhood garden, a children's club, women's mornings and a Monday evening celebration, among other things. We can use a neighbourhood building and run a food pantry, we reflect on the Bible together during 'People of the Way'.
Encouragement: pray and start small
Maybe you are reading this and thinking: I also want to share what I have received but I have no idea how to do this. Who is waiting for me? I want to encourage you with the discovery we were privileged to make: the fields are still white to harvest! Then pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will send you out as a labourer. Expect His help. And start in the small, with your gifts and talents. Are you good at cooking: bring a meal to someone close to you. Are you a good handyman: offer your help, for example, to do a gardening job for someone in your street. Are you sporty: organise a football tournament on a nice summer's evening. Get to know people around you and be available. We have regularly been asked: why are you doing this for me? Then may we bear witness to the hope that is within us!
I wish you courage and confidence to build God's kingdom.
Hillie van Dijk is one of the initiators of Flower Power in Ede
