Love Our Neighbors

Listen:

“In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

Reflect:

ON BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR

My neighbor left the other day in a permanent sort of way.
We didn’t talk, so I can’t say where he went. Good neighbors are the quiet kind,
minding their own peace of mind until the morning that they find you’re gone for good.
My life was filled with purpose as I walked right past your door.
I had to get to …somewhere but I forgot what for.
A quiet man with a ready wave haunts me from beyond the grave
with a complement his widow gave; we “didn’t bother” them.
His life and deeds are history. and his soul’s in some eternity
and an echo brands my memory; I “didn’t bother” him.
My life was filled with purpose as I walked right past your door.
I had to get to …somewhere but I forgot what for.
song by: Mike Edsall

This song was written after our next door neighbor passed away while we were living in Texas. We had moved into an established neighborhood and we were once again the newest members on the block. I used to think that the people living near us would welcome us with a knock on the door and a plate of cookies, but that never happened. It seemed that it was our responsibility to reach out to others. Yet, there was not the thankful response I expected for my efforts. I received ‘cool friendly’ replies, not warmth and acceptance; with a few exceptions. With a busy family life and small children I soon became involved in activities centered around them. The death of our neighbor was a cause for pause and reflection. How can I be a better neighbor? How can I ‘do to others as I want to have done to me?’

Over the years I have come to realize that it is the attitude and consistency of being open and friendly that draws people. I must step out of my comfort zone, my fear of rejection, and my ‘do list’ in order to love my neighbors. So, I had great hope and enthusiasm as we moved to a new neighborhood on the North Shore of Massachusetts. I was committed to loving my neighbors in real time who live on our street. We planted garden boxes in the front of our house so as we tend the garden we are able to talk with people walking by. We invited them to enjoy the fruits of the little boxes. It worked!

Early on we hosted a hot dog roast over our fire pit and and a few neighbors showed up. It was a start. Last Christmas on a freezing cold night we took out hot cider, cookies and our fire pit to the front yard and invited the neighborhood. This time, bundled up for warmth, many more came. Summer will open up more opportunities for me to step out and reach out.

May my heart be ready and my will to remain steadfast.

There is still one reluctant family who never engages, or even makes eye contact with us. When we moved in I greeted them with what I thought was a friendly hello and they turned away without a word spoken. They won’t talk or even greet us. We see them everyday as they drive in and out of their driveway. My husband and I both wonder what has happened in their lives that would cause them to withdraw. I pray for opportunities… and against giving up. Maybe some day?

Prayer of Response:

Lord give me strength and confidence in your love for me so that I may confidentially step out in faith and love my neighbors as I would like to be loved, even if the response is negative. Help me to never give up!

Questions for Reflection:

• Who are your difficult neighbors and how do you respond to them?
• How can you love your neighbors as you love yourself? 
• What are some things you can actively do to communicate love?

“If you could only sense the importance you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself you leave at every meeting with another person.” — Fred Rodgers

—Submitted by Stephanie Edsall
Stephanie and her husband Mike currently live in Beverly Massachusetts, and enjoy spending time with their grandson (and other grandchildren). They work for the Navigators, traveling to support and resource ministries in Western and Central Europe. Stephanie is on the Global Leadership Team of Lifesprings International and serves on the prayer team and PACT (Peace Amidst Conflict Training team) She enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and pretty much any other activity that involves being outdoors.