10 Easy Ways to Be a Good Neighbor

Wednesday, September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day.

Probably some of us are like the lawyer who asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” We might add, “And how do we ‘be a good neighbor?’”

Really, it’s not too hard.

Right now in Florida, as we prepare for Hurricane Ian, many of us are in need of some neighborly help, or will be soon. Or we could be the good neighbor, like Mike has been to us, making sure we are prepared and the generator is working.

But even without a hurricane, there are many small and great ways to honor the day—every day. Here are a few from our neighborhood.

 10 Easy Ways

1.     Our neighbor across the street often, after the garbage trucks pass, moves our two large containers back into the shed where we keep them.

2.     Sharing food is one of the easiest ways. Our next door neighbor was in the hospital for a week.  I had several pouches of homemade soup in the freezer—her husband loved them.

3.     When someone will be out of town for a few days, or even a few weeks, trusted neighbors are happy to check the mail and grab the packages for them.

4.     Lots of our neighbors walk their dogs morning and evening. A short chat helps us get to know each other.

5.     After Hurricane Irma a few years ago our power was out for a couple of days. One of the neighbors set up a grill and invited us to bring meat and any food we would likely lose to share. We feasted on good food and great conversation. (picture above)

6.     An elderly woman often needs help with house cleaning and running errands. A few of the teenagers are glad to help.

7.     When our kids were younger we had a basketball court instead of a patio and a full-size soccer net. When our grands lived near us, we had a great outdoor playset. Needless to say, the neighborhood kids spent a lot of time there. 

8.     Every Halloween a several of the neighbors near us bring their lawn chairs and candy to a large driveway. We have a great time with each other and meeting the children and their parents who come trick-or-treating.

9.     This is one of my favorites. Practice smiling—at anyone you see or pass or encounter as you check out at the store. Know what happens? Almost always you get a smile back! And brighten their day.

10.  And of course, you can pray for them. Walk your neighborhood and pray. Greet them and pray as you walk on. Ask them what you can pray for them.

These are neighborhood ideas, but many can translate to anyone we know or meet or has a need—Jesus implied they are all our neighbors.

What about you? How might you celebrate Good Neighbor Day?

C2022 Judy Douglass