How to Neighbor

One of the best ways to be a neighbor is to find ways to be consistent in the ways you serve. I’ve been learning this as I have been serving an elderly neighbor for 2 months now. We’ve always had a good relationship, but there wasn’t a rhythm in our relationship. There were no certain times I would see her. It was more about when I was free to talk or if she called and made a specific request.

A few months back, my neighbor had an accident where she broke her shoulder and arm. This made it very difficult to get dressed and undressed, not to name all the other difficulties. After her full time help came to an end, she mentioned to me that she wasn’t sure how she was going to get ready for her day and then ready for the night. We came up with a plan.

Now that I have been coming to her home in the morning before I leave for work and later in the evening, I have been able to monitor changes in progress, pray with her, share stories and learn so much from her. We have gone from being neighbors to becoming friends.

It’s true that consistency compounds over time. Behaviors practiced day in and day out can reap great benefits. And sometimes you gain the added benefit of friendship that you never anticipated.

Ways to be Consistent in “Neighboring”

1. Find a time of day that neighbors can see a pattern in your life. It could be your going and coming from attending a church service each Sunday or the time you go for a walk.
2. Look for patterns in your neighbor’s schedule or habits so that you can be consistent in your response of seeing them. For instance, everytime the kids walk by us on the street we live on, we always stop what we are doing and engage with them. That consistency now has the kids initiating engagement with us.
3. Keep a consitent prayer journal of your neighbors. There are apps for your phone, (theblessapp.com), or you can journal by hand. This consistent practice compounds in answered prayer and opportunities to share Christ with your neighbor.