Who IS that man???

Each one of them is Jesus in disguise. –Mother Teresa


We have this man who lives on our street, a gentle soul. I can never remember his name, and I think maybe he likes it that way.

Last February, Old Man Winter came on like gangbusters, with falling snow and falling temperatures. The wind picked up that snow, danced a few bars and plopped it unceremoniously back on the driveway. I looked out the window and sighed, wishing my strong, willing husband wasn’t in Montana.

But then I heard it, the low, steady hum of a snow blower making its way slowly, slowly up the street—and up my driveway! My unnamed neighbor, dressed in Carhartt from head to toe, made light work of my driveway and moved on to the next one. . . .

About a month ago, when the young couple across the street (new to the neighborhood) let the grass get a little too tall and a little too shaggy, there he was one morning, this time with his power mower. He came, he mowed—and he moseyed off in anonymity. Caring for folks he doesn’t even know is his way of living. It’s just who he is.

I asked around and learned where he lives, and we thanked him for his kindness. My husband asked him how we could thank him; after much protesting and stuttering, he confessed to enjoying a cold Bud Light Lime now and then. (We have no idea how that 12-pack of beer wound up on his porch. . . .)

You know, the more I think about it, I think maybe I do remember his name. I think his name—is Jesus.

Monday Make an effort today to be sneaky in love. Choose a “target” and go for it. Do your best to remain anonymous. Haggai 1:5-6

Tuesday Remember a time when a stranger unexpectedly gifted you with service. How did it make you feel? Give thanks. Zechariah 7:8-9

Wednesday Is it time to go through those closets or cupboards again? Remember the local charities and food banks as you shop. Micah 1:3

Thursday Things can be easy to give; giving of time can be more difficult—and rewarding. What can you do today that costs you nothing but a bit of your time? 2 Kings 4:42-44

Friday Every week, you have the chance to pray for yourself. Today, pray the really big prayer for the other you have never met. Let the Almighty guide your heart. Psalm 133

 Saturday As you pray for yourself today, give thanks for the life you have been given to live. If you are struggling, ask God to strengthen you. Rest in God’s peace. Jeremiah 6:16

Sunday Autumn is in the air! Find time today to spend outside. Let your senses fill your soul with the sights, sounds and smells of the season. 1 Chronicles 16:8-9


One way to define spiritual life is getting so tired and fed up with yourself you go on to something better, which is following Jesus. –Eugene H. Peterson

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