I consider myself fortunate to live in a neighborhood where I know my neighbors. We talk at the mailbox, watch the children playing outside, greet and visit while walking the dogs.
As neighbors, we help each other out.
The tree I planted in the front yard in memory of my husband had blown down during a nighttime strong wind storm. Mr. James saw what had happened, and called out to me. Before I could wipe my tears, he was there with his little chainsaw. His wife joined us, and twenty minutes later Flip’s tree was cut in segments, and the big blue trash cart was full.
Checking in with each other, sharing fresh baked cookies, homemade soup or a leftover casserole is common. So is watering, getting the mail or feeding a pet when someone is out of town.
Sunday morning, I noticed my friends on either side and myself all left for our separate church at the same time. I had a warm feeling in my heart.
The best part is a special Happy Hour every day at five-thirty for an hour. There are five of us, we have all been friends for thirty to fifty years, and we are all widows. Sarah has the gift of hospitality. We bring our drink and sit on the patio or around the kitchen table solve problems, discuss the weather, share life when one of us needs support.
By accident, we have created a community that works on a higher level.
Some of my friends aren’t as lucky. They don’t know their neighbors. They come home, drive into the garage, shut the door, locking themselves in and their community out.
Action and time are required to recreate a community like mine. It starts with one, You, to ignite unity in your neighborhood. Start by connecting with your neighbors. Who do you know? What do you recognize about them? Do they have any special needs? Do you know what makes them unique? Tell them about you and your hopes for the neighborhood.
- Have you noticed our society has almost forgotten how to carry a simple conversation without texting? Looking down all the time prevents us from seeing who and what is around us. When was the last time you started a conversation with someone you don’t know? Two of the best icebreakers I know are; “Will you tell me about _______.” Or “ Hi, I have noticed you drive by my home every evening. Are you new to the neighborhood or did I miss something?”
- Recognize we all have differences. It may be cultural, skin color, religion, or favorite sports team. Our differences are an opportunity to learn about each other and create unity.
- Love one another. Jesus taught to love our neighbor as ourselves. Knowing that each person is a child of God in His image allows us to seek who they are instead. Share your blessings with others. Perhaps that’s why you are blessed.
The conduct of our lives originates from the principles in our heart.
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