It seems that daily I’m reminded that things have changed. I’m approaching the age when things quite working like they used to. I’m finding I can’t eat some of the foods that I’ve always loved. Oh, I can it them but they are not as enjoyable they don’t “set well” if you know what I mean! I occasionally drive around the old neighborhood and it has changed. I realize that part of what I’m remembering is in idealized version of what once was. But I remember freshly mowed lawns and neighbors actually out in their yards talking to one another. As a kid I knew everyone on the block and they knew me. Which was great unless of course I’d done something wrong. When they happened by the time I got home mom had received 6 or 7 calls and she was waiting on me.
Even so I miss those days. I guess what I miss most is that sense of “community.” That sense of belonging to something bigger than myself. Today we are individuals existing in the same space. With our hectic lifestyles we don’t have time for neighbors or getting to actually know that person I wave at pulling in or out of my driveway. There is a lot to be said for a “simpler” life. A life less cluttered with business and more open to “wasting time” just laughing with a neighbor or talking about the mundane routine of life together. Of course a simpler life is not an easier life. In fact it is really quite a bit of work. I’m not sure I’m up to that. I’d have to make some conscience choices. I’d have to change some things…change? That going to add another dimension. Maybe I’ll just be satisfied with my memories. I mean why invest so much time, energy and effort into getting to know my neighbors? It’s not like I owe them anything…He sure has a way of throwing a wrench into my thinking! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40.
I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod