How was your Halloween? I have never done much to celebrate that day, but this year I made cookies and listened to music while waiting for neighbors to visit. Which is to say, I got sit on the couch and eat cookies with no interruptions to my thoughts.
I don’t know my neighbors very well. I do know that God says to love you neighbors. When somebody wanted a very specific and technical definition of a neighbor, Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan. There were no qualifications or exception clauses; no carefully chosen jargon to find a loophole in; instead of drawing a picture of a certain kind of person who was worthy of my neighborly love, Jesus puts the attention back on His command. Love you neighbor. A neighbor is someone to whom you show love.
It’s good to find time to reflect. Many people use the first of the year to reflect on past year and consider what was accomplished and set goals for the future. I’m about to pack my things into boxes and move out of my apartment. Now is a good time to reflect on who my neighbors are and how well I have loved them. Next time I have a neighbor, maybe that reflection can be converted into the love that my Lord Jesus commands.