Even though it was beautiful outside, I had planned to work on our taxes when I got home. I’d rather do anything else but the deadline is nearing.
I’d decided to do leftovers for dinner. There was plenty of shrimp étouffée left for all of us. I would heat it, add a simple salad and dinner would be served.
Then taxes.
I changed into some comfy clothes as soon as I got home. Before I got to the kitchen my son asked if we could grill out with the neighbors. They’d asked if we wanted to join them while he was outside earlier.
All kinds of excuses not to join them popped into my head. Anything we had to grill was frozen. A grocery run would take too long. I was tired and really didn’t feel neighborly. And the taxes. The taxes need to be done.
My son was persistent. He offered to go to the grocery store and his sisters were just as eager to be with the neighbors for dinner.
I gave in.
The neighbors grilled the meat. I fixed enough salad for everyone. Another neighbor brought potato wedges and we all sat on their deck and ate together. We shared stories, reminisced and laughed as the little ones played.
I’m glad I gave in. I didn’t know it but this spontaneous dinner with the neighbors turned out to be just what I needed.
The taxes will get done another day.
In response to the Daily Post’s prompt Neighbors.
mariegriffith.me 
Found your blog at Community Pool, and find it a very refreshing, honest Christian blog.
So wonderful to have a spontaneous dinner with neighbours like you did. Yeah, taxes can wait! 🙂
Thank you. Dinner was really nice. And the unplanned gatherings are always the best aren’t they?
Taxes can aways wait! You made the right choice… Life flies by before we know it. Get present and live! I love your blog. You have a great voice.
Thank you. You are kind. I am trying to make a habit of being present and spontaneous.
Wonderful, Marie!!
Thank you sister!!
Sounds like you had a great night with your neighbours. We have lovely neighbours too and always jump at the chance to have a BBQ with them, but I know what you mean about getting your tax done. I always leave it to the last minute and then it drags on and on…
Yes, good neighbors are a blessing. And I still haven’t done the taxes.
Sometimes our neighbors are so temporary that if we miss this chance, we’ll never get one again. http://judydykstrabrown.com/2015/08/28/reading-2/
You’re right. Actually we are moving away after 13 years of having these neighbors. I’m so glad we took the time often to spend time with them.
Thanks to your son! I don’t know my neighbors after 14 years. They only come for a few days a few times a year and they bring hoards of family along so stay to themselves. There is an empty lot between us…which is the only thing between us!!!