The other day someone asked me "how do we get people to buy into being a good neighbor". Everyone has a story, someone told me "it's the way I grew up". So how did I start trying to get to know my neighbors?
For me, when I was 7-8 years of age in
Nicaragua, I remember my father coming home and giving small jobs to the homeless guys outside our house. As a little boy, even though I was scared of them, I always wondered why they were there. I soon realized many of them struggled with alcohol (as my grandfather who lived with us did). They would wake up late, worked maybe 1-2 hours and come hang out outside our door hoping to get money for the afternoon drink. They were kind men, harmless.
But instead of being scared or ignoring them, my papá would give them small jobs - paint the fence, sweep the porch, cut the trees, basic stuff. When they finished their work my dad would pay them, talk to them about their drinking (some of them actually stopped drinking, others didn't) and they'd be on their way till the next day. Did they drink with the money? Probably, but they felt valued versus invisible. Did my father waste his money, feeding their problem? Perhaps, but it modeled the practice of helping versus ignoring.
I remember about 10 years ago, I was looking at a church building I wanted to rent for an organization I was starting. Outside were 3-4
homeless guys, alcoholics, asking for money. I didn't feel anything bad towards them, but I also didn't do anything good. But the pastor showing me the church said "they're just a bunch of drunks!" as he near stepped on them. I told myself, "I will always treat people with respect and dignity."
Obviously here in our neighborhood things are much different, I don't have any homeless people waiting outside my door! But the principle is the same.
Whether a single person, or older couple, whether a loud family or a quiet woman, everyone is worthy of respect, no matter their life situation. And in fact, that dignity and respect is best shown by becoming friends and better neighbors.
I wonder what is your story? Why do you try to become a better neighbor?
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