Being There When It Matters

On the surface I probably don’t come across as a neighbourly person in terms of the people who live on either side of me. I will say hello to them when I see them, which is actually quite infrequently, and in the case of one, will chat for a bit about the weather or something like that! However, if either of them were in trouble I would try to help if I was able to. My approach to those on either side is a sort of benign ignorance of their lives, but they are fellow human beings and if they are struggling I would want to help.

My definition of neighbour is much wider, because of my Christian, with a big and a small ‘c’ upbringing. Anyone who comes into my life in whatever way should be my neighbour. I used to love to listen to the parable of The Good Samaritan because his type of practical, unshowy type of neighbourlyness chimed with my personality even then. I tended to shy away from small talk, and still do. I would not ‘walk by on the other side’ if someone was in need, but I would also not exchange many words beyond those that may be necessary. I like to adopt a practical approach to other people and keep all but a few at arm’s length in terms of getting to know them. It may make me seem a bit distant at times but it suits me. When I reflect on the impact that early church going and the Scouting movement has had on my approach to life, I realise that it goes far deeper than I realised. Bob-a-Job week was about being a neighbour. Clearing up after a camp or helping to clean up an area on a campsite was being a good neighbour, giving to charity as often as possible is being a good neighbour, being ready to help other people is being a good neighbour.

For me, the way to be a good neighbour boils down to being there when you are needed and being unobtrusive at all other times.