It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor...."

Oh how I miss hearing Mr. Roger's singing that song, coming in the door wearing his suit jacket and then changing into those different sweaters. (And let's just be honest, who didn't want to have one of his sweaters?? I personally think they were awesome.)

That song always reminds me of a bright sunny day where you open your windows and feel the nice summer breeze blow across your face, you wave and say high to your neighbor as they pick up the daily newspaper and they give you a friendly greeting in return. I know times have changed and things are not the same now as they once were. This day and age no one knows their neighbors. We are all so busy that we don't take the time and effort to get to know one another as we should. I, myself, am at fault with this. It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and the thinking only of ourselves. "Me,My,Mine" is the way society has taught us to believe is the correct and right way of thinking. I think it's time for us to take a little bit of advice from Mr. Rogers and going back to knowing your neighbors, helping them in a time of need, and becoming friends with them.

I look forward to the day where I am married and have kids. And when those days come, I want to be able to know my neighbors and let my kids go play with their kids and vice versa. I want to exchange conversation over a morning cup of joe with my next door neighbors wife and if she needs to borrow a cup of milk or sugar that I can give it to her.

Although right now I haven't done these things, I know I have the ability to and should. It's hard to work up the courage to go across the yard and knock on your neighbors door, to expose yourself to vulnerability and being shut down, on their front steps nonetheless! But it doesn't mean it isn't worth trying. Just think of all the things God has done for you by blessing you with food, shelter, and if your like me, a wonderful family who loves and encourages me. Don't you think you should be able to share your blessings with someone who may be having a rough day or just recently went through a hard time? You may never know how just asking someone over for a cup of coffee or to do something sometime could be just the encouragement or answer to a prayer they had been looking for.

"Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these." Mark 12:31