To Build Them Up

             Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. (Romans 15:2)

 

            My version of this is a dream of mine. For several years, I’ve been incubating an idea of building more community in my neighborhood. Where I live in Florida, we seem to have at least the potential for it, but I’ve discovered that a big chunk of the reason for that is that we have two central places we can meet as a community, and volunteers to keep those places hopping. In my neighborhood in Pennsylvania, we don’t have those.

            But part of the reason I’m trying to build my garden is so that I can share the produce with neighbors and with a food pantry. I’m trying to learn to make things and do things so I can help out. This morning, I thought of the idea of replacing my front walk and leveling a small area near the sidewalk for three chairs and a table. I’d probably never use it, and I can’t imagine my neighbors using it. It’ll probably never happen but I like the idea because it’s an idea. It shows that my mind is working.

            This is where we seem to run into difficulties. Our minds don’t work on ways we can build up our neighbors. We’re too busy trying to cope with life and our thoughts narrow to that struggle. One of my struggles is that I can’t do most of what I think of. The thought of even getting my garden going is overwhelming this year, though I’m making good progress. So how am I supposed to cultivate the garden of my neighborhood?

            I planted a three-pack of chard this morning. That wasn’t so hard. Dig three holes, pop them in and add water. Weed a little around where they are. Remember to water them now and again. What can I do about my neighborhood? Plant a three-pack of prayer? Weed unwanted nonsense out around it and water it now and again? Later, I may plant some kale. Ditto on the activity, but that will finish one bed.  A few three-packs of lettuce, with the same routine, and another bed is done.

            Is there an equivalent that I can do for my neighborhood? Could I plant a three-pack of prayer, particularly as I walk the dog? Could I plant an extra plant to share with someone? Could I do what I can to include the animals with which I share a territory? They’re neighbors, too. Rather than getting overwhelmed because we can’t become world-class philanthropists and solve everyone’s problems in the next 3.28 seconds, what can we do with that time?