Love Your Neighbors: Start With A Visit

It was a hot afternoon when my children and I stepped outside of our house, flyers in hand, and peered down the street.

“Which neighbors should we visit?” I asked.

Our first choice was an easy one⎯the neighbors across the street.

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Grandparent Neighbors

C and J, our adopted grandparents, are some of our favorite neighbors. We invite them to everything. They never come, but they always appreciate the invitation. This time was no different. They were gracious when we presented them with an event flyer. However, they really came to life when we accepted their invitation to come inside for a visit. We spent half an hour chatting in the living room about the ups and downs life. When it came time to leave, we shared friendly hugs.

“That was fun,” my daughter said, as we made our way to the sidewalk. The rest of us agreed.

Cultural Neighbors

We returned to the sidewalk and eyed the house where a family from India lives. We felt we should go there next. Long time neighbors, but ones that tend to keep to themselves, we’ve never really had the opportunity to get to know them.

My son rang the doorbell and the mother answered the door. Her name was K, she said, and yes, she was interested in attending the event/ She also asked what should she bring, would we like to come inside for awhile, and⎯before we were even seated⎯would you like something to drink?

I love the hospitality of eastern cultures.

Gazing around the room while our drinks were being prepared, I admired the India-themed decor. There were elephants figurines, elegant silk table runners, sparkling gem-adorned bowls. Also, a golden Buddha, a picture of the golden temple, family pictures taken in India. 

It felt like we had been transported to another country.

We stayed for an hour, my kids playing with hers, while she and I visited with each other. She told me about her three children and how proud she is of their accomplishments. She told me about her job, and introduced me to her parents. Before I left, she made me promise to return again soon so we could continue our conversation. I promised, and made good on that promise today when we returned for another hour-long visit. I love the exotic feeling of their home and the genuine kindness that is shown to us.

Each time we return, it feels like an adventure. It’s taken us fifteen years to get around to meeting this family, but no matter. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to reach out and make a connection.

Conclusion

Have you become too isolated within your house walls? This is your official invitation to step outside your house and select a neighbor or two to visit. You never know what adventure awaits!

These Welcome to the Neighborhood cards can help. Simply print them and cut them out. Then write a greeting on the back, or add to a plate of cookies, a dishtowel, or another simple gift. Have fun!

Brotherhood by Joseph Horatio Chant

    Is brotherhood to flesh confined?
    Is there no kinship of the soul?
    To have it thus, I am resigned,
    If ’tis my God-appointed goal;
    For there are those whom I hold dear,
    Who claim with me a common sire,
    That we, with one accord, revere,
    And love holds out midst flood and fire.

    But is the family so small
    Of which I fondly claim a part?
    Is there no other I may call
    A brother, and within my heart
    Cherish for him, whate’er his name,
    Or rank, or color, or his creed,
    A love of pure and changeless flame,
    And feel I render but his meed?

    Thank God for brotherhood so broad
    That all the human race may share
    A kinship, never yet outlawed,
    Tho’ types of it have been too rare.
    But bigotry is doomed to die,
    And hate, a relic of the past;
    The golden age is drawing nigh,
    And all one family at last!

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