The Intentional Neighbor
The Intentional Neighbor
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9
He’s a familiar stranger. I see him often, sometimes more than once a day. It took me a while to figure out where exactly he lives in the sprawl of our neighborhood—I always seemed to see him in different areas, whether he was out for a walk, doing small jobs in someone else’s yard, or chatting with people on the street corner.
He has short, gray hair and a stocky build, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him smile. But he is the most intentional neighbor I know. Each time I drive by him—rain or shine, snow or sleet, without fail—he stops what he’s doing and waves. Yesterday, as I drove past in my car full of noisy kids, I saw him as he was crossing the street carrying a small dog. Even though his back was originally toward me, he stopped walking, pivoted, waved to me, then turned back around to continue on his way.
We’ve never been introduced, but I feel like I know him. Not because he’s become a close friend to the family, but simply because he always waves. He is an intentional waver, and each time I pass him I wave back. It’s simple, but it sends the message: I see you. Safe travels. Welcome home.
He shows the same respect to everyone, regardless of who it may be. His intentionality is admirable. Sometimes it’s easier to pretend you don’t see someone, or that you’re busy on your phone or with your children, than it is to stop and acknowledge that person. I’ve found myself “not noticing” acquaintances when I’m at the grocery store or the mall, simply because I don’t want to take time from my schedule to stop and chat. I’m trying to let go of my own plans and let God determine my actions and steps. It can take effort to be intentionally open and kind, but when we are, people notice.
— Today’s Act of Kindness —
Go out of your way to be intentional with your neighbors in the way you act by waving, smiling, or saying hello.
From the book
