I was talking to a friend this morning that I haven’t seen in 32 years. Our “catching up” conversation turned to many subjects, but one that really stuck with me had to do with the subject of being a good neighbor. He was sharing with me how his wife and he got to know their neighbors when they first moved in many years ago.
Without going into all of the details, they made a point of meeting all of the neighbors, one by one, in their cul-de-sac, and kept a tracking system, by name, of who lived where. They passed this list around to everyone, hosted them, greeted new neighbors, updated the list when people moved in or out, and stayed connected with everyone. It’s all about connection and contact. As a result, they have a close-knit neighborhood.
My friend has mastered the art of being neighborly. I am certain that he could easily go next door and borrow a cup of sugar, as the cliche goes. I didn’t ask him if there were any neighbors that were resistant to their warm hospitality, but I suspect that all of them are at least friendly and kind toward one another and probably have a pretty decent neighborhood watch program. I would definitely not pick my friend’s neighborhood if I were a burglar!
He lives in Texas, where it is almost a written law to be friendly. Out here in California, most people hardly even know their neighbors and are usually suspicious of anyone that even says hello to them. God tells us to love our neighbor as ourself. Get to know those that live around you and form a lasting friendship with them. Be like my friend and learn the art of being neighborly!
Matthew 19:19 (NLT) - “Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.”