It’s the first Friday of the month, which means today is Five Minute Friday. At this minute, hundreds of bloggers are taking five minutes to write–unscripted and unedited–about the same topic. (The topic gets posted at 12 a.m. ET in case you’re wondering why my post actually went live late Thursday night.)
Welcome
After graduating from college and starting my first job, I had dreams of getting married, having kids and moving to a neighborhood where the neighbors all hung out together. The kids all played at our house, and we enjoyed our little piece of suburban heaven.
I did get married. Then, hubbie and I moved to our first home. We were excited. On our first day, as we were unloading boxes from the car, my dreams were quickly dashed. A neighbor walked over, introduced himself and promptly told me that “we don’t do basketball goals in this neighborhood.”
He didn’t make me feel welcome. Instead of hanging out with the neighbors, we ended up going from our home garage to the work parking lot, rarely stopping to chat with the neighbors. We later had kids; but they didn’t play with many kids in the neighborhood.
Seven plus years later, same thing. Except this week I decided to do something different. I offered to host National Night Out at our house. And in big colorful chalk, I wrote out WELCOME on our driveway.
And the people came. And more came, and more came. And everyone talked about what a good time they were having. People new to the neighborhood said this confirms that we made the right home purchase.
It’s a start.
Five Minute Friday Reflection: I’m in my bible study time, and it’s been a few hours since I wrote this. I’m reading Titus 3 and find it interesting that the bible notes for Titus 3:1-2 say, “although believers are citizens of heaven, they must…help promote the well-being of the community.”
I must admit that after writing, my instinct was to immediately edit. However, one of the changes I made has really bothered me. I changed “I didn’t feel welcome” to “he didn’t make me feel welcome.” It bothered me because no one can really *make* us feel anything. That’s way too much power to give someone. The action was wrong but I chose the response. (I’m probably over simplifying but it’s way early in the a.m., and I haven’t really had time to think it through; so stick with me on this.)
And now, here are the bible notes to confirm what was bugging me all night. What I did this week is what I should’ve done seven years ago. I should’ve went about creating community in spite of the ignorant response of one person. In fact, if I follow these notes, it was my responsibility as a Christian.
I can’t change the past, but I can use new learning a to guide me through the future. This is the second time this week that God has given me really great new revelation on familiar bible passages. I love when that happens.
Party on Five Minute Friday party-goers. I kind of like this look-back reflection on my writing (and I haven’t even edited it). I think I’m keeping it.
This is a real cool concept. I didn’t know about it. So, I’m glad that I stopped by fro the
SITS Girl Blogtober thing going on.
I like this post. I like your “take” on the topic/subject (especially the God part). He is
such an awesome God to serve, loving all of us like He does.
It’s nice to eMeet you!
- Carlo
Carlo/Carlo At Your Service Productions recently posted..The Best Parties Used to Be the Biggest Parties
Hi there, thanks so much for stopping by to visit.
Kacey, your gesture was so awesome! I never heard the story about the neighbor from 7 years ago. Is he still in the neighborhood? Regardless, what you did was a tremendous act of kindness for your entire community. I’m sure you made everyone feel quite welcome, and I know they’re glad to have the Bess family as their neighbors! Your gesture may make someone else pay it forward!
How funny. I thought you were with me when that happened–but maybe it was Durrell.
Awesome post! I think it was very big of you to volunteer to head up Family Night Out despite feeling a bit less than welcome all of those years. Good for you!!
Joy recently posted..31 Days of Writing: Coming of Age – Day 5
Is that neighbor still in the neighborhood?????? If he is, I’m glad you showed him how a real neighbor acts. WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, I’M KACEY BESS and this is MY FAMILY!!!!!!
No fortunately he moved away, and I can’t say that anyone in the neighborhood was sad to see him go. There’s a new couple in his house. They’re super sweet and even stayed after the party to clean up. That got my instant seal of approval.
I’m learning the same things right now. :) I want my home to be that kind of place, too. I am looking forward to turning it into a welcoming place for friends to come visit. That’s not been an option before, as I had my own “grumpy neighbor” person to deal with. Thanks for the motivation!
Nancy @ Pilgrim Wanderings recently posted..Five Minute Friday: Welcome
Yes, open up your home in spite of the grumps, and maybe through your actions they’ll change.
We really all have the choice to be the victim or to choose to be a victor…and I am seeing right now how past hurts still imprison me from being as welcoming as I long to be…but Glory to God…the redeemer of all things comes and sets us free…comes and gives us the courage to be the one in the neighborhood to open our “driveway”…blessings to you and well done~
“but Glory to God…the redeemer of all things comes and sets us free.” / So true indeed!
going to try this one more time, LOL
I am so sorry you had to experience that, but it shaped how you intereacted with new neighbors. Good for you for welcoming them and sharing the love. Great job babe.
Stopping by from FMF
karen recently posted..Welcome, but NO Ironing Allowed
oh I am so sorry that hapened to you, what an awful experience. but you changed others experiences, you brought them joy and welcomed them…good for you…you made a huge difference in their lives.
karen recently posted..Welcome, but NO Ironing Allowed
Good for you for putting the welcome mat out, despite your past experiences. Stopped over from the Five Minute Friday!
Barbie recently posted..Welcome In This Place
I loved reading about your welcoming spirit despite the experience that you had. It’s awesome to give relationships second chances! :)
Hope (aka Brooke) recently posted..{Five Minute Friday} Welcome
Thanks for visiting Barbie. I’m realizing I can’t let past baggage keep me from the things I really want out of life.