There was a day, I'm told, when neighbors were viewed as family. When the norm was to raise our children together, to share meals frequently, and to entertain one another with our lives. There was a special bond that weaved through the entire neighborhood. It's like this small part of the earth was ours. After all, it was home.Today, we see a different picture. Why? Great question.
Maybe you could share your thoughts. Maybe it has to do with the advancement of man. Maybe the incredible inventions over the last 100 years have something to say. There was a time when people walked next door. They now use the telephone. There was a time when people spent entire nights laughing with their kids. Now they watch television together. There was a time when people relied on one another. Now they use the internet. There was a time when loans were given in good faith. Now we've created a society drenched in debt.
The pictures and stories, today, tell of a different world. Most of us lock our doors at night. Most of us don't really know our neighbors. We may know their names and say hello, but I think you know what I'm talking about. Most of us struggle to meet new people. What about new friends? Most of us are simply products of our society. But, there's still hope!It's actually easier than you may think. Sure, it requires a bit of effort. However, it can be done. Tracking?
It's easy... get a dog! What? That's insane!
Trust me. Over the past two years, I've been introduced to so many people through my dog. Josie has opened conversations that would've never been started. She has opened doors to homes that I wouldn't have set foot in. She even has a way of propping my door open too. She has been instrumental in helping strangers (neighbors) become good friends. She's even helped introduce children to each other. That's beautiful.So, if you've had trouble meeting new friends, go out and get a dog. Walk her around your neighborhood. Stop and say hello to others. Let her introduce you. Take her to the park. She'll want to introduce you to even more potential friends. Possibly find a dog park in your area. Here she'll show off and you'll have lunch with a family and their dog(s). It's really amazing. I guess they really are "man's best friend" for a reason.
Another option, have a child! It requires just a bit more effort... especially if you have two or more at the same time. Right Amy? However, children also have a way of connecting us to others. Maybe that's what God had in mind all along. Hmmm...
May we discover that our world is a good place with many friends. May our neighbors become family again. May we open our homes to one another with more frequency. And, may we continue to use the internet... sparingly!
4 comments:
I love this concept. It reminds me of Haggards book: Dog Training, Fly Fishing, And Sharing Christ in the 21st century. I'm sure there are transferable principles. Though I wish Haggard hadn't hit such a rocky road in his journey, God had shared with him some great principles about relationships.
Anyways, Bo, you need to write a book. It should be called: Why My Dog is a Better Evangelist Than Me. Just kidding. No seriously.
P.S. I see no comments from you on MY blog! :)
You knew I would love this...and I do! Loved the pictures of Josie.
Russ, great comment!
I feel ya on the Teddy front! Is that a good book? Maybe I should give it a read.
Personally, I'd love to write a book. There's only one problem with that. Given the average amount of comments on this blog... I may sell about 6 copies or so. Not sure the publishing house would be too happy!
We'll see who knows. In the mean time, either have a kid with Lyd or get a dog!
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