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Focal verse
“Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18).
Reflection
There’s an unwritten rule in rural America—at least in the part of Missouri where I live—that you must greet those you pass while driving. With a nod of the head and a lift of the hand in passing, you acknowledge that you see each other. It’s a way to give witness to the road before us and the varied roads it takes to get from here to there. It’s community and welcome and seeing everyone we meet as a friend.
Whenever we drive, whether to take the kids to school or for a trip to the grocery store, we acknowledge other drivers and they acknowledge us. Each person we pass lifts their hand, and I return in kind. Sometimes we know the family in the car and other times my husband and I will look at each other and ask, “Do you know them?” and we both say no, but we still wave.
With each wave, the kids ask, “Did you know them?”
Sometimes yes and sometimes no, but I tell them that it’s just what you do—you wave and recognize the person before you.
I can’t help but keep this image before me as the world spirals. Things right now feel scarier every day. The threat of violence and war is closer than we’d like to believe. Differences in opinion can break apart friendships—and sometimes lead to loss of life.
I know there’s so much I can’t control and so much that’s beyond my understanding. When the political divide keeps families from talking to one another and people make rash judgments, I want to show my kids another way. I want to be a model for seeing the people before me as God’s beloved.
This waving of my hand, this time to see the neighbors in front of me—this I can do. And I can invite my children to watch me notice and celebrate our neighbors, hoping that with every wave and nod of the head we’re moving closer to bringing each of us to a world where neighbors work for the common good. Where we can see each other not by who we voted for but who we want to become as a community: kind and full of love.
Practices
- Be intentional about waving at and greeting your neighbors. If you’re outside—at the park or walking your dog—and don’t know someone’s name, stop, say hello and ask.
- Research organizations in your community or in another state that are working to welcome immigrants and refugees. Make a donation and pray for your neighbors both near and far.
Prayer practice
Memorize a verse of Scripture to help focus your attention on loving your neighbors. Take this month’s focal verse and say it together to begin your day or before meals: Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. As you let the words seep into your mind and body, see what actions arise for you to do as a family.
