Posts Tagged ‘community’

Don’t confuse me with someone who doesn’t really care about anything.

When I was little, which seems even longer ago now that I wrote that, I can remember how people would do things then that seem so different than the way we do things now. People waved at each other. Sometimes even if they didn’t know each other. It didn’t matter back then if you did or didn’t. You waved because you were friendly. Back then, they actually cared about the people and events that affected everyone around them. Folks were involved enough in their communities, to at least involve themselves with their community. They even did the unthinkable. People would actually look at each other, and make eye contact! I know. It’s wierd now. We’re all scared we might offend someone, or even worse, have to actually speak to them. But I can’t be like that. I feel like it’s just as easy to be friendly, and I’ve been known to go so far as to say hello, and even smile, at strangers! I still get asked things like, “Do you know them? or Why did you wave at them?” I just laugh and say “I don’t know!” Maybe they’ll wave back and wonder who I was for the rest of the day. It works for me. As crazy as it sounds, there are still good people out there that care very much, and I’m determined to be one of them.

What’s most disturbing to me is that we don’t even know our neighbors much anymore. My old neighbor was a dear friend of mine, and had enough years behind him for me to pay attention to what he had to say. He told me that he believed the blame could be placed on the invention of air conditioning and T.V. There’s probably a good bit of old farmer’s wisdom in those words. He said ever since they came along, the houses that were built got smaller front porches, because nobody wanted to sit outside anymore. That we all lost interest when we went inside, and didn’t even know what was really going on in our own neighborhoods. Blame it whatever you want, but times have changed. People used to be involved, and that’s what made it different. It seems like those days are gone for most of us. But not all of us. Remind me to tell you about his first glass of ice-water someday- The things we take for granted…

We are very creative in finding ways to stay inside in our seclusion. My neighbor wouldn’t understand the modern additions to our diversions like computers, and all of the toys we have today. Or how we need to be entertained and to search for new ways to occupy our time. It’s the opposite of being on the front porch, or out in the yard, just watching the kids on the block ride by on their bikes. Now, I’m not saying you can’t watch T.V. or follow us on Twitter, and it’s hard to be consistent at times. And I’m not telling you to wear your arm out by waving at everyone driving by either. But more creativity in our friendliness wouldn’t hurt. All of us have excuses that we call reasons, for not doing more than we do. Notice I said we- I know I have days where I don’t even want to go out and get the mail, let alone have to wave at someone because I did. But I also understand that if I want to make a difference, I have to act a little differently. We need to trade a little free time, for more nice time at some point. I care enough to try to be more friendly, and I’ll prove it. So if you think nobody cares anymore, and everyone is the same, don’t be mistaken. I care, and I’m not alone. If we’re going to make our world a better place, we’ll have to go back outside once in a while, and at least look around. Just be prepared to smile and wave when you do- I’ll be looking for you! ~DS