INSPIRASUNS

Last night our community had its monthly happy hour. Couples sign up monthly to host, (meaning they open our little clubhouse, set out plates, napkins, ice, etc., nothing major). Neighbors bring a nosh or dessert to share along with their beverage of choice. It’s a great time to catch up with everyone, especially in the winter months when the seasonal residents are back. It’s also an opportunity to meet new neighbors.

Last night there was conversation about how the community has changed over the years. Many of those in attendance have owned their place for a long time and they commented on how they’ve seen a change from mostly full-time owners to seasonal owners. Even in the short four years that we have lived here, we too have seen a shift. It’s kind of sad because there isn’t as strong a connection as there used to be.

Having said all of that, there was also conversation about how to reconnect in our community. We discussed how to come back together, to do some things that help us feel more like a neighborhood. This morning as I thought about this little blog, and our conversations last night, I couldn’t help but think of Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood. I was never really a big fan of the show, but he did have some pretty close neighbors!

Anyway, last night, the ideas were flowing. We recently started a weekly donuts and coffee morning, and it’s been very well attended. We talked about pop-up driveway happy hours, block parties, and such. At the end of the day, it’s about coming together to know the people in your community, even if they are part-time residents.

Having been away from our community for several weeks now as we remodel, I can tell you, it felt good to be back amongst friends. We’ve felt out of sorts since moving to a rental, and we needed the connection last night. We are social beings, I believe Father created us to be so. We are not meant to be loaners. There are so many references in the Bible to loving one another and coming together in fellowship. Yes, we are meant to be together with other people.

If you haven’t done so, I just encourage you to take the opportunity to get to know those in your community. A simple wave, or a smile, or a good morning, it’s a great start. And…it won’t take long before “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood”.

Have a great day friends. Oh, and thanks so much for the prayers for our Godson’s father Brad, they are working, he is getting much better!

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.