How Do We Determine The Qualities Of A Good Neighbor?

We live beside them. They are people we call neighbor. We wave to them from across the street or at the end of our driveways. Some of us may not have any neighbors close by, depending on the location of our homes, but for those of us who do, we can't even say we know the names of the people who live beside us. Yet, for those of us with neighbors, how do we determine what the qualities of a good neighbor really are?

Perhaps first, it would be best, if took a look at ourselves as an example.

Every year for Christmas Donna's neighbor Joan brings her a pecan pie. They met on the day Donna, her husband, and their four kids moved in next door. Twenty years later, Donna and her husband, every year like clockwork, get a pie from Joan. Likewise, Donna bakes a batch of her notorious triple chocolate fudge cookies and passes a dozen on to Joan. It has become a tradition between neighbors. And, through that tradition a bondage of friendship has grown over the years.

Who are your neighbors?

When a new person moves into your neighborhood, do you introduce yourself? It's as simple as a hello, a handshake, and a name. They are just as afraid of you, as you are of them. After all, until you know each other's name, you're still considered strangers. Even with a name, you become acquaintance at best. Next time you see a neighbor outside, walk across the lawn and say hello. Don't be shy. Invite them over for a barbeque or offer to help carry in an arm load of groceries they may be juggling.

Are you respectful of those living closest to you?

To be a good neighbor means to be respectful of the other people and their homes around you. Don't try to push the boundaries between property lines. Avoid angry disputes and finger pointing over petty disagreements. Keep your trash on your side of the curb, and only on trash day. If you're planning a party, and you know your going to get loud, warn your neighbors in advance. This way, if they haven't been invited to the party, they can prepare themselves for the disruption. When you show your neighbors respect, they will give it back to you in return.

How many hands do you have?

One time or another, you've needed help with the struggles of your daily life, and someone helped you. Your neighbors, like you, also need a helping hand once in a while. They may be parents juggling work and children. They could be elderly and living alone. They could be searching for a job, or struggling with an illness. All it takes is a small sacrifice of your time to help a neighbor. While you're out mowing the front lawn, why not mow the neighbor's? Or if you see the ambulance pull up and there's a sick child with fretful parents, offer to keep watch over the other children for the night. Next time you're heading to the grocery store, ask your neighbor if there is anything they need that you could pick up, and save them a trip to the store. Your efforts won't go unnoticed.

Do you think of your neighbor, as you would a loved one?

In the Bible it is says, "love thy neighbor as they self." No matter your religion, your neighbors are the second closet people to you. The first is your family. You would care for your family. You provide food, shelter, and see that their needs are met. Who will meet the needs of your neighbor if they have no family within reach? Jesus fed multitudes with two loaves and five fish. A can of soup cost less than a dollar, and love for another is priceless.

Will they call you friend?

Every morning when you go out to gather the paper, you wave and say hello to the man next door. He's doing the same task - collecting the morning paper. With sleep in your eyes, you show him a smile, and yet he still doesn't respond. Don't give up. Within your neighborhood you'll encounter a variety of personalities. There will be the grumpy, snobbish, obnoxious, and the loners. But, you'll also find the happy, kind hearted, outgoing, and sociable. If at first you don't succeed in your efforts, don't give up. Stay positive; say hello, wave, and make a remark about the weather as you get in or out of your car each day. Sooner or later, you're bound to break the ice.

Whether your neighbors live beside you, across the street, or down the road, developing good qualities as a neighbor starts at your door.