Won't You Be My Neighbor?

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we're together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?
Won't you please,
Won't you please?
Please won't you be my neighbor?


By Fred M. Rogers, © 1967


Watching Mr. Rogers is one of my earliest childhood memories.  I can't remember a time when I didn't.  Just hearing that welcoming, caring song called out to my heart and drew me in.  There was a comfort and caring about him that just made me want to be a neighbor.  He would take a stroll through his neighborhood and stop in to visit with different neighbors, and demonstrated how to be a good neighbor, listening, caring, sharing. 
 
When was the last time you went for a stroll in your neighborhood and just stopped to talk with neighbors?  Its becoming a lost art I think, much like sitting on front porches in the evenings.  Earlier this year, we purchased a home in a neighborhood a little farther away than we had originally planned, but it drew us in... one of the things we loved about it is the way the streets are laid out, line with wonderful trees and inviting you to just take a stroll.  We also noticed so very many people out and about, just walking their dogs or strolling along, stopping to talk with each other, and always waving to us as we drove by.  It felt inviting and comfortable.  We went back several times to look at it, always getting the same feeling, even in the dead of winter.  God blessed us in that we were able to purchase a home there, and sure enough, within a week of moving in, we were invited to meet many of the neighbors at a welcome reception in one of their homes, and we are on first-name basis with many of them now, stopping to chat with them often and waving to them as we go by.  Its a wonderful feeling. 
 
Being a good neighbor takes so little effort, and its healthy for you too.  If you haven't stopped by and chatted with one recently, make it your good deed for the day.  Go for a stroll and say hello.