Who is my neighbor?
Children's Activity
Object:
Things in our country are much different than they were fifty years ago. People are moving around more; they are less inclined to stay in the same community their whole lives like many of their parents did. The media (television, magazines, radio) keep us connected with news as it happens around the globe. The internet is making it possible to meet and have conversations with people we are never likely to see face to face.
So who are our neighbors? In some ways it is easier to accept the idea that our neighbors are all over the world. We are a more global community than we've ever been. In other ways, though, we are less connected to others than we used to be. Community fairs, potluck dinners, and town meetings are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. "Virtual" communities are popping up daily, and one day soon it may be possible to live our lives without ever having to interact with another person.
Combat the virtual reality syndrome by finding ways to connect with and help real people. Find out who your neighbors are. Maybe they live near you. Maybe your neighbor is a sick person in a hospital or a shut-in who never has visitors. Your neighbor could be someone needing clothes or food. Maybe your neighbor is the man who hasn't had a smile in weeks, or the woman who is needing a friend, or the child who needs a reassuring hug.
In the story of the Good Samaritan we read about someone whose injuries are physical, but there are lots of other kinds of wounds. As you walk down the road through your day, ask God to help you keep your eyes open for the wounded people who come your way.
So who are our neighbors? In some ways it is easier to accept the idea that our neighbors are all over the world. We are a more global community than we've ever been. In other ways, though, we are less connected to others than we used to be. Community fairs, potluck dinners, and town meetings are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. "Virtual" communities are popping up daily, and one day soon it may be possible to live our lives without ever having to interact with another person.
Combat the virtual reality syndrome by finding ways to connect with and help real people. Find out who your neighbors are. Maybe they live near you. Maybe your neighbor is a sick person in a hospital or a shut-in who never has visitors. Your neighbor could be someone needing clothes or food. Maybe your neighbor is the man who hasn't had a smile in weeks, or the woman who is needing a friend, or the child who needs a reassuring hug.
In the story of the Good Samaritan we read about someone whose injuries are physical, but there are lots of other kinds of wounds. As you walk down the road through your day, ask God to help you keep your eyes open for the wounded people who come your way.
