Why Can't We Play Nice?

She reeled in pain outside our door with a fishing hook stuck in her neck. She was 3, maybe 4. I was frantic. You saw me and knew something was wrong. In a flash you were there, calming my child, taking control, reeling me back to a centered state of mind.

Another time you saved my house from  burning to the ground. I started the fire without opening  the flue. We swam in your pool and occasionally helped you keep it clean. On your birthday a fake fall got you to our house for a surprise birthday dinner. We even allowed the beer.

We shared stories, sat at your table over coffee and exchanged holiday greetings. I left colored eggs in your driveway one early Easter morning alongside your newspaper.

What happened? I can’t figure it out.  Our status changed with circumstances but should that change our friendship? Should we not be neighbors who care without judging?

As I see you every day I am reminded of words Jesus said "love your your neighbor as yourself”. If I can’t do that, how sad a person I am!  And then I think, who is my neighbor?  Does that mean only those I  live near? I don’t think so. I think it’s everyone I encounter, and then some.

"Lord, help me to see others with your heart and eyes and pray for those who cannot.”

Writing for fiveminutefriday.com
The word is neighbor