How to Neighbor

When God Places a Neighbor Next Door

There are moments when God interrupts our routines with something small—so small we might miss it if we’re not paying attention. For me, it happened on New Year’s Eve.

Someone asked if I had plans for the night. Being the homebody that I am, I answered honestly: “I usually fall asleep before midnight. I don’t do much.” But almost immediately, a thought pressed into my spirit:

“Think about who is asking.”

It wasn’t just anyone. It was my 91‑year‑old neighbor—the one God placed right next door to me. The one whose days are precious. The one whose presence is a gift I don’t want to take for granted.

It all began when she brought over some blank cards to give us. (She rarely comes empty‑handed.) We met in my driveway, and I asked if she had any extra 2026 wall calendars she was giving away. That simple question turned into a visit at her home—two hours of stories, laughter, and memories.

At one point she said something I hope I never forget:

“I’m so glad when you come and visit. You make me laugh, and laughter is good for me.”

Her words settled deep. How often do we underestimate the ministry of simply showing up? Of listening? Of laughing together?

As she reminisced about New Year’s Eve celebrations on our street—card games, neighbors gathering, joy spilling from house to house—I realized how much history she carries. And then she told me something I had never known:

Every year, after watching the ball drop on TV, she steps onto her front porch and shouts, “Happy New Year!” into the night.

For six years, I had slept right through it.

Suddenly, the question rose in my heart: “How many more New Year’s Eves will I have with her?”

My excuses felt small. My sleepiness felt unimportant. My neighbor mattered more.

So we made a plan. She would call me before midnight, and I would do my best to stay awake. I dozed off here and there, but at 11:45pm, my phone rang. On the other end was my wide‑awake neighbor, ready to celebrate.

We counted down together over the phone. We shouted “Happy New Year!” from our porches. And slowly, other neighbors stepped outside and joined in.

A simple tradition became a shared moment of community—because one woman kept celebrating, and because God nudged me to join her.

A Gentle Reminder

Sometimes “neighboring” looks like Bible studies, mission trips, or big acts of service. But sometimes it looks like:

• walking next door
• listening to someone’s stories
• staying awake a little longer
• shouting “Happy New Year!” into the cold night air

God places people in our lives on purpose. Not forever. But for a season. And He invites us to love them well while we can.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

May we notice the neighbors God places beside us. May we cherish the moments that seem small. And may we never underestimate the holy work of simply being present.

Neighboring on New Years Eve

1. Find out if there are any celebrations that you have been missing out on. If so, find ways to join in.
2. Start a tradition and ask neighbors to join you. Whatever you decide as a way to celebrate, keep it simple and doable with each neighbor having a way to participate. Neighbors are the heroes in celebrations.
3. Give your neighbor an encouraging note about what you’ve seen in them this past year, with some homemade cookies.