Ooh! It’s Friday night and a neighbor has brought over a bottle of his favorite red wine. I didn’t have the heart to tell him it would probably end up in the cooking. The other day I walked his new huge German hound home from another neighbor’s: an elderly neighbor who’s afraid of dogs.

I can’t see any of my neighbor's houses, but I know they are there- just far enough away to be rural, just close enough in case of emergency. With one fell swoop I was able to do a good deed for 2 of my 4 neighbors. What a privilege and a gift from God. Neighbor relations are one of my top priorities. 

The neighbor who brought us the wine is newer than we, and we represent his ideological-political opposite. Yet a few years back when they’d just moved in, and called me to tell me my dogs were bothering a dog at his house, and he was understandably upset, I was kind, sorry, humble, helpful, and pleasant in return. It was not too difficult, considering we were in the wrong!

Since then we have been able to be helpful to this family. I also try to occasionally bring breads or something to our neighbors. My husband routinely delivers apples to everyone in fall. My philosophy is when it comes to neighbors, I am GLAD to err on the side of going out of my way to be friendly, helpful, courteous, and kind.

Good neighbor relations are so important. Don’t let it go to the dogs!

[Note: We were once run out of a rental home by bad neighbors.]