Sunday, March 25, 2018

What Kind of Neighbor Are You?








"Love your neighbor as yourself" -Mark 12:31a


It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, 
A beautiful day for a neighbor, 
Would you be mine? 
Could you be mine? 

-Fred Rogers


What makes a good neighbor?  In the Scriptures we have many examples.  The good Samaritan, who was an unexpected choice.  The loving father of the prodigal who was an embarrassment to his community is another unexpected example.  Or maybe the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, those who are thankful often turn into helpful and considerate neighbors, Luke 17.

Obviously the neighborhood of Mr. Rogers, both real and make believe make a great community. From Mr. McFeely (who as best as I could find is still alive at the age of 79, probably not as speedy with his deliveries anymore but still just as loved by his friends and neighbors) to King Friday to Lady Fairchilde and the groundbreaking Officer Clemmons, the list goes on and on.

There are over 1,000 episodes of the Mr. Rogers neighborhood, quite a few more if one includes the various specials that were produced.  There are numerous television programs, actors and even Youtube shows that got inspiration from this show, the most widely known is probably Daniel Tigers's Neighborhood.

That sounds like a pretty solid neighborhood to me and one that's growing.  Because a neighbor is not just someone who lives in close proximity to you.  And your neighborhood is not just what's around your block, it's your community all around you.

It's the schools, it's the churches, it's the gas stations and street corners, the nice houses and the run down junkers.  It's the low paying jobs and the overpaid ones.  It's the disabled and the hospitals, the nursing homes and the mechanic changing oil.

It's my sister-in-law and the neighbors she is introducing to our community through Cornerstone Transition Home.  It's the chance for a change and the opportunity to start over.  It's a clearing away what everyone else has written in the sand, dusting off our hands and leaving the slate clean for a fresh, exciting story.

Lots of people are, have been and will be asking, "Won't you be...my neighbor"


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