SEPTEMBER 28 - National Good Neighbor Day
We hear a great deal about conflict and suffering in our cities and towns, as well as in many far-off places. We also know that in many of these places, there are countless stories of "good neighbors." These are the people who step up in the face of need and do good deeds. Most of them do not make the headlines. Therefore, I am writing this blog to call attention to these good deeds that go unnoticed, yet make life a little easier for us or someone else.
I have a little story about a neighbour of mine. We needed to replace the storm door at the front of our condominium. The neighbour had us examine the door on his place and said he could order one like it and then install it for us. Other then the cost of the door which we paid for, all the labour and time were generously offered by this good neighbour. He checked with us each step of the way, and worked very quietly doing this deed and then came back to see if we were satisfied at the end of the process. He asked for nothing and was glad to help.
This deed and so many other countless good deeds seemingly unnewsworthy, that actually make the world go around. Look around you today or tomorrow. There are many neighbors around us who could benefit from us being a "good neighbor".
Welcome all these moments – they are moments of grace in which God is among us.
- Joan Atkinson, CSJ
Images: Unsplash/Christian Stahl