A Friendly Neighborhood

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“I think you’re fine,” our neighbor Jim said, taking one final sniff of the garage. I had run inside a little while earlier to tell Tim that the garage smelled strongly of gasoline, even though neither of us had refueled our car in days. Tim was unsure whether it was a problem, so we’d asked Jim for a second opinion.

Minutes later, he’d arrived and sniffed the air experimentally, looking around our garage as he did so. His reassurance that nothing was wrong was the confirmation we needed to go on with the day as planned.

My husband and I often joke that we are inept homeowners. Thankfully, we have lovely people nearby who are always willing to lend a hand—or, in Jim’s case, a nose.

Our neighbors have brought in our mail and rolled the garbage to the curb when we’re out of town, loaned us a wheelbarrow for an outdoor project, and helped us chop wood. They’ve attended birthday parties and bought cookies from our kids, hosted brunch, and watched a movie together in the cul-de-sac. And though each family has their own life and friends, they still stop to chat when they step outside to get their mail or work in the garden.

We are meant to live with one another in a healthy community, but sometimes, it can be easy to overlook those closest to us. And while we may find our most genuine sense of community in a church or small group, we’re also called to love those who reside beside us. The very nature of God—as the Trinity, three in one—is communal. There is value in loving our neighbors. When we know we can count on one another in times of crisis, we are more likely to overlook minor offenses and appreciate the neighborhood in which we live.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Drop off a note of thanks or a small gift to a neighbor. Or consider someone in your circle of friends who lends a helping hand when you need one, and take the time to say thank you.