Moral Compass Series:

Small towns are often credited with a quiet lifestyle and old-fashioned way of life. But, even small towns are affected by busy schedules, commuting, and the fast-paced life that has become an expectation to be considered a successful family. Through a series of articles I am going to take us back to those simpler times when we knew our neighbors and everyone sat around the dinner table together. Back to the times of a straighter Moral Compass...

Where Have Our Neighbors Gone?

Something happened last Christmas that brought me to a stark realization. The woman across the street brought my family a beautiful bag full of homemade fudge and cookies. I thanked her and closed the door and looked down at the tag and read her name. It occurred to me then, that we had lived here for five months, at that time, and I hadn't even known the woman's name.

I have now lived in this house for six and a half months and can honestly say that I still don't know anything real about my neighbors. I know their work schedules, if they have children, what cars they drive and who takes care of their lawns, but I know nothing about who they are or what is important to them. At that moment I decided that I was going to host a BBQ/Potluck this summer. A "getting to know your neighbors" party, if you will.

This morning at about 5 a.m. my second realization came to me. I look outside and there was an ambulance parked across the street at the house of a very lovely couple that I barely know. The fear struck me then! Life is too short to live in the cocoons that we build around our lives with the excuses of busyness. We need to reach out to those around us and invite them into our lives. We need to remember how important it is to thrive off of the reflection of another's internal soul.

Of course, I say this as I sit at home at my computer. But, I ask you this: Have we truly lost of sense of camaraderie and companionship in this high-tech world? For me, the answer is yes.

So, I propose a challenge to all of you: Knock on your neighbors' door and pretend like you just moved into the neighborhood. Take them some cookies and introduce yourself. You may just find a friendship you couldn't live without.