When you see new neighbors moving in, do you have a list of hopes or expectations about future interactions? Are you the kind of person who just waves as you pass or spot each other when checking the mail? Or are you the kind who stops to chat at the corner of your yards several times a week because you truly enjoy the people you live near? We've been super blessed the last six and a half years while living in our house. Right beside us is the sweetest older couple who have basically adopted our kids as grandkids. And my kids love them just as much. Down the street are others who I chat with when we see each other walking or stop to say "hi" as we pass in our cars. It's a friendly neighborhood and feels relatively safe. That being said, most of the kids live a bit farther down the road than I'm willing to let my children go by themselves (this isn't the 80s and early-90s like when I grew up). So, when our neighbor informed us the empty house across the street was going to be rented out, the first thing my kids said was "I hope they have kids."
As we've seen trucks being loaded and unloaded over the last week or so, my children stand at the window or fence and watch, looking for signs of people their age. And they run into the house and tell us what all they see. Because there are bicycles. And kids who look to be about their age. Three or four of them! Obviously, we haven't met them yet. We've been super busy and moving is not the easiest time to make friends. But we will soon. Thing is, my children have already decided they'll be friends. There was no question in their minds. They haven't even met these people yet. Don't know the first thing about them. But they see people their own age and it's obvious. Why don't we as adults see people the same way? Not only those our own age, but all people. Why do we look at them as if to doubt or disapprove instead of looking at them wondering what great friends they'll be? Is it any wonder Jesus tells us to be like the little children? To look freely and see others made in His image. That's all that matters. What about you? Do you see people as potential friends? Or do you look at them with doubts and preconceive notions? Here's to hoping for more friends in our future--among the new neighbors and other places too.
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This is a place for me to share thoughts and ideas not just related to writing. Thoughts about what's going on in my life, about an idea I got that I thought shareworthy, or just a funny anecdote.
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