So this morning, before I hopped in the car and drove to work, I noticed that my next-door neighbours were having a garage sale. Either that or they’d decided to put a whole heap of stuff outside for the public’s viewing pleasure (pleasure being a loose term here). As I’d only recently moved in to the house I’m currently renting, I decided to pop over, say “g’day”, and wish them all the best with the garage sale. I’d only exchanged polite smiles and a quick “hello, how you going?” with these neighbours on one other occasion, so it was nice to introduce myself, and learn their names (which I’ve now forgotten), also.
This made me wonder, how is it that we live in a society that longs for relationship, belonging, and community, yet we so often still choose to isolate ourselves from those closest to us? I know it’s not just me, but I will admit that I’m a pretty big hermit for most of the year, and currently I’m probably more of the problem than the solution. I’d like to change that. The popularity of social networks seems to have skyrocketed in the past few years as the internet has become more accessible. As far as I can remember, the cycles for communication that is supposed to bring us closer together, seems to allow us more opportunity to neglect physical presence and so often leaves us more isolated than before each new technology came to be. It’s like we expected mobile phones, email, Msn Messenger, SMS text, Myspace, online gaming, Facebook, and even Skype to make us more connected... yet in the end, most of the time when we’re using/doing these things, we’re sitting in an empty room, or perhaps in a house where each family member is doing their own thing. Probably talking to you on Facebook, or whatever. Our world is so ‘connected’, yet often it seems, so isolated.
Back to neighbours... how do you connect with your neighbours without being weird? It’s a pity that now it is sort of considered weird to want to get to know neighbours, at least that’s been my experience. Do you do know your neighbours? Do you feel comfortable having lengthly chats with them, and do you look after their pets while they’re away? Do you trust them to keep an eye on your place while you’re away? I don’t, and it’s a pity. Of course, it’s always going to be easier when they’re of a similar age or there are things in common, but shouldn’t we – if you’re a Christian, seek to build up the community in which you live? Those closest to you – your neighbours, are one community you can’t deny is there, so do you? I find it funny that the ‘communities’ and circles of friends we like to associate ourselves with are often so far away, or we only see them in this situation or at that event... what would our street/block be like if we all got along? Maybe like Ramsay Street... maybe not. I don’t even watch that show, but I wouldn’t wish that much drama upon any street.
How would you suggest I connect with my neighbours? How would you do it?
I’m thinking an informal Australia Day front-lawn barbeque, with casual invites to come and go as one pleases, with maybe a couch and TV set up out the front on the lawn. Maybe that’s too full on... I dunno.
Thoughts? Questions? Comments?
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