NEIGHBORSHIP . . .
What’s free, feels good when
you get it, feels good when
you give it, and is worth more
than a bathtubful of cash?
Being a good neighbor isn’t just a behavior promoted by children’s TV icon, “Mr. Rogers” (God bless his talented, caring, sweet, perceptive soul!). Being a good neighbor means helping and sharing and sometimes, being self-sacrificing.
It’s an attitude. It’s a behavior pattern driven by your willingness to accept responsibility for more than yourself, and to be willing to act responsibly toward those around you, even when you may least want to . . . at home AND on-the-job!
It doesn’t mean giving up your SELF for others (those are “Heroes” and Heroines” and we need only glance quickly to our young service men and women for glowing examples!).
It doesn’t mean (necessarily) making a career of it, like so many of the wonderful helping professionals (nurses, charity and social workers, missionaries, therapists, et al) among society’s ranks. Oh, and it also doesn’t mean doing favors for others who really don’t want your favors!
It DOES mean being conscious of others’ needs and helping to fill those needs whenever you can when called upon, and whenever you see the needs and are able to help, whether called upon or not.
It’s called “pitching in.” It’s called “stepping up to the plate.”
I call it “Neighborship”!
And you know what’s really remarkable? It seldom takes more than the simple offer of a helping hand to revitalize the home or on-the-job attitude of the person or persons on the receiving end. Of course, you may have to be willing to accept a “thank you,” or handshake, or smile, as your reward.
But, oh, isn’t that what a truly blessed event is all about anyway?
I am truly blessed to have YOU be reading this right now, and I am not even a minister! Thank you, and please do return. Have a great day and a great night!
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