Taking Time to Be Friendly

My husband and I moved into a different area of town two years ago. It’s an old neighborhood with wide sidewalks that span blocks as far as you can see. Kids race up and down the sidewalk, with parents hurrying behind. Elderly couples shuffle by, and single professionals with their dogs make a usual route of our street. When we noticed all the foot traffic, we decided that sitting outside on our front lawn in the evenings would be a perfect way to get to know others in our neighborhood. Our kids soon saw what we were doing and decided to join us by playing in the yard, enjoying the warm summer evenings.

This habit has been a wonderful way for our family to not only connect with others in our neighborhood but also with one another. We’ve developed budding friendships with those who live around us and are slowly getting to know others in our neighborhood, while also strengthening our family bonds.

When we love our neighbors, we are fulfilling the requirements of God’s law. Although our neighbors are not limited to those who live close by, it certainly includes them. As followers of Jesus, we should be some of the most loving and hospitable people in our neighborhoods and communities. Our homes should be such places of peace that others feel safe and valued. We don’t have to make a lot of grand gestures or do elaborate planning to make others feel loved: just setting up a couple of chairs, sitting outside, and starting conversations with those who might come across our paths is all it takes. You never know what friendships could develop when you take the time to be friendly.

Today’s Act of Friendship: Spend time in your yard and see if you can start conversations with others in your neighborhood.