Fall is upon us! Bring on the pumpkin spiced everything, football, cool crisp air, family pictures, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and all the flannels! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Depending on where you live, it may take weeks versus days following Labor Day for those cool temperatures to swoop in; however, you certainly can be intentional about creating that Fall atmosphere not only in your home but around your community. So go ahead and change out those throw pillows, camp out at Costco before sunrise waiting for the mums to arrive, and light that sweater weather candle! Fall is the perfect season to connect with your neighbors and build those lasting relationships. What makes it all worthwhile is that it can be a family affair.
I am reminded of a time when after my husband took a faith leap on a job that relocated us to Georgia. It was the middle of August, school was already in session, and obviously we did not know a single soul! Here we were with our home semi-unpacked and our vehicles still sporting Illinois license plates, we found ourselves with two boys ages 3-1/2 and 15 months along with a little girl on the way. It was my first real time away from my family, friends, and all the comforts we knew of home!
After the chaos and stress of the move, it became clear we needed to meet neighbors and build our community. We found our church and got our oldest plugged in to the attached preschool right away. Next up was to meet our neighbors, which felt like an overwhelming and intimidating task. I mean, were there even Bears fans in Atlanta? I remember one afternoon in September while I was baking pumpkin bread for my family, that food, especially carbohydrates, are the world’s best method to disarm a skeptical individual and provide a little gift as we introduced ourselves. I decided that was exactly what I was going to do but for my neighbors and to provide a little gift as we introduced ourselves.
The next morning, I went out and bought mini loaf pans with lids and all the ingredients I needed. Once the chocolate chip pumpkin bread was baked, I put my two boys in our wagon with the mound of loaves between them and off we went from door to door introducing ourselves and leaving each new neighbor with a little taste of Fall with them. Having something tangible, not to mention edible, to give them made it so much more comfortable to strike up conversations. We used that opportunity to get to know our neighbors and it helped our world not feel so small.
Having something tangible, not to mention edible, to give them made it so much more comfortable to strike up conversations. We used that opportunity to get to know our neighbors and it helped our world not feel so small.
I encourage you, whether new or a seasoned staple in your community to get out and use this time to strike up conversations, expand your relationship footprint and build up your community. Life is so much sweeter when we are living in fellowship and blessing one another with unexpected Fall treats and vibes. Just as Paul quotes Jesus saying, “It is more blessed to give than receive” Acts 20:35 I too am encouraging you.
Below you can find a couple recipe ideas that you prepare and divide up and bless your neighbors with.:
