Neighbor > Family?
Proverbs 27:10 says:
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.
For the last ten years, we have lived more than 600 miles from our parents. Within our first year in Texas, Cooper was born.
If there were ever a time you would want to live close to family, it would probably be during the first ten years of raising a child. Instead, we moved farther away.
That is why today’s proverb struck such a chord with me. Over the last few years, we have learned firsthand the value of a neighbor who is near.
On exhausting Sunday afternoons, the Walls invite Cooper over to play.
When we run out of eggs, we run to the Larsens or Johnsons.
Most weeknights, we spend time with the Smiths and Sayers.
When packages arrive while we are out of town, Karl or Morgan make sure they are safe.
I can even save money on delivery because Phil and Chris will help me get a refrigerator into the house.
Over time, neighbors who were simply nearby have become like family to us, and I hope we have become the same to them. We get the same calls to grab packages, walk dogs, water plants, or check a door while someone is away.
That leads to a simple question:
How good of a neighbor are you? Honestly?
I know the excuses because I have made them.
“I never see my neighbors.”
“I live in an apartment.”
“We are different ages.”
“We are in different stages of life.”
“We don’t have much in common.”
That was me for five years in College Station. I probably knew four neighbors by name.
But would Jesus be content with those excuses?
And why are we always waiting for someone else to take the first step?
Today is Friday. Make it a goal this weekend to meet at least one neighbor.
Knock on a door. If no one answers, try another or leave a note introducing yourself. Bring cookies if you want, or simply say, “I realized we have lived near each other and never really met.” Exchange numbers. Let them know you would genuinely like to be helpful if they ever need something.
If you already know your neighbors, be intentional today. Send a text. Ask how they are doing. Stop by and say hello. Find an excuse to spend a little more time outside.
I have learned firsthand the value of having good neighbors.
What convicts me now is whether I am becoming one.
Will you be the kind of neighbor someone is thankful lives nearby?
