Investing in Others

A chilling November wind stung our cheeks as my husband, Bob, and I walked a gentle greyhound around the block. A young jogger slowed and stopped.

“What a beautiful dog!” she remarked. “How long have you had him?”

“He belongs to our next-door neighbors,” Bob said. “We walk him while they’re at work.”

“Wish I had neighbors like that! Mine hardly speak to me. You must be good friends.”

“We are,” I said. “It started when Scott and Sarah moved here with their first baby. We would visit occasionally and soon became friends. Now they have three children, and we love to spend time with them.”

Just say hello

When the woman jogged on, I recalled how we first met Scott and Sarah. When we saw them moving in, we took over soda and chatted. Scott and Sarah are about the age of our grown children, so we identified with their lives. They were far away from their parents and lonely, so we visited with them often. We enjoyed watching their son, Connor, grow.

Now we are close friends. We talk about sports, family and faith, and we laugh a lot. When our grown children and grandkids come for a Fourth of July cookout, these neighbors are always part of the event. And when Sarah and Scott have get-togethers, we are often there as well.

When Sarah left for the hospital to give birth to their second child, I stayed with Connor through the night. Bob and I were the first visitors to see baby Sophia. Then a year ago, we welcomed baby Corinna. We’ve become a part of each other’s lives.

Such a connection with neighbors presents opportunities for older couples to influence the lives of younger couples. Though it’s tempting to bypass young couples outside of family and friends, God calls us to reach out to others with the wisdom and maturity He has given us.

Let’s do lunch

Some of our friends have made a priority of welcoming young couples they meet at church. In Greenville, Texas, Jim and Fran Sandin lead a Bible study at their church. One Sunday when a young couple from India, Shailesh and Swati, visited the class, Jim and Fran invited them to lunch.

The couples connected that Sunday. Before long, Jim and Fran adopted this young couple and included them in family gatherings such as Easter dinner. When Swati was pregnant, Fran gave a baby shower and later helped Swati as a new mother.

“They know they can call us anytime and we will be supportive,” Fran said. “We treat them as family, and we love them dearly. Our mentoring friendship is a blessing that works both ways.”

Shailesh agreed. “For us, Jim and Fran are a gift from the Lord. They live the life the Bible tells us: ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven’ [Matthew 5:16].”

Show God’s love

Unfortunately, many people today have no concept of God’s love or rarely experience it in a practical way. Empty nesters often have more time and freedom to do things with others and can show His care through friendship. As you connect with younger married couples, you will also likely find your own marriage energized.

So reach out, invest in and encourage younger couples. Prayerfully connect with their lives and enjoy friendship with them. Find out what will benefit and bless them the most. God delights when you reach beyond your front door — and you’ll encounter His joy as you give.