All In
Read: Matthew5:14-16
My neighbor George is a constant source of inspiration, entertainment, and wonder for me. I have been blessed to live next door to George and his wife, Anna, since 1996. Both George and Anna are of Greek heritage. This devotion will focus on George. Anna deserves her own devotion, something to create for next year’s booklet.
Back to George. We have become great friends over the years. Sharing joint custody and long walks with my dogs, Campbell and Molly (Anna is afraid of dogs), we have had many animated discussions on all sorts of topics. What I really enjoy and admire about George is that he is “All In.” He does nothing half-way. His curiosity about the world, his love of family, his love of God, and his amazing zest for life have been a blessing for me to witness.
He is a devoted member of two local Greek Orthodox churches in the area. One, the church of his youth, and the other his wife Anna’s church. He shares his time and talents with both churches through choir, committee participation, and volunteer efforts on projects. He follows the fasting protocols of his church. I have learned so much from discussions with him about his faith and the unique features of the Orthodox religion. We share our concerns and pray for each other. Sometimes I give George a list, and he will light candles and say prayers for those who are dear to me.
As I mentioned, George is very devoted to his family. His daughter has three sons. George and Anna took care of each son at their home until they entered pre-schools or kindergarten. His relationship with those small boys was so beautiful to witness. He played with them, took them swimming, built projects with them, took them to the library, took them to church, and created a farmers’ market on his lawn with produce from his garden. As they have grown older, he attends all their sporting events. He has taken them on special trips to Lego Conferences, and to see Messi (the soccer player) play. They love their Papou and will have so many wonderful memories to cherish that they can share with their children and grandchildren.
George’s love of life and learning shines through in everything he does. He was an engineer before he retired, a perfect profession for his passion for information, order, and detail. He works diligently and lovingly in his vegetable garden each year. He likes nothing better than to be in his overalls and boots, planting, weeding, and harvesting. Every Halloween, George lines his porch with multiple pumpkins which he gets from Eastern Market. He delights in hiding from the trick-or-treaters and jumping out to scare them before handing out treats. George is an active participant in life. He is a role model for me, even though he can be exhausting at times!
Christ asks us to be “All In.” “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Nancy Grose
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