The Greatest commandment

By Peggy Potter Balaun

[37] Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:37-39

I recently moved to Essex and circumstances made it necessary for Gary and I to be married by a justice of the peace on 4/3/2025.
While we were preparing to move his bed, Gary needed help from his brother and his pick-up truck. 

Gary had a typical batchelor pad: messy, but with his own sense of organization. Gary dreaded his brother's criticism! Sadly, I did not understand why Gary asked me to be there and feeling in the way, I tiredly and curtly said "Seriously Gary, why do you want me here?"


I went back to our apartment and  realized my horrible mistake: Gary wanted me there for moral support as he felt humiliated by his brother's remarks !

Afterwards, I admitted to Gary I was wrong & begged his forgiveness which he graciously gave!  We have no closer neighbors than those we love & live with ! Sometimes loving our neighbor, or husband to be, is just being there !

Blessings, Peggie Potter-Balaun