God2Share

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

It’s a really beautiful day in Pennsylvania.

Today is 143 Day.

I consider myself to be fortunate enough to have grown up with Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Each day, this gentle man opened the door to his house, put on a comfy cardigan, and invited you in with this heartfelt question:

Won’t you be my neighbor?

The Neighborhood of Make Believe was accessible only a trolley, transporting children from across the country to a magical place from the comfort of their own homes.

Some of you are singing the theme song in your head at this very moment.

You’re welcome.

But as an adult, the song that was part of the soundtrack of many childhood memories now carries a different meaning.

“I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,

I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.”

Rogers not only posed the question, but also seemed to capture that longing that we all feel – the desire to connect with one another.

“Won’t you please, won’t you please,

Please won’t you be my neighbor?”

Over and over the same question is asked, a gentle pursuing of the audience to be a part of something bigger.

And so today, on this 143rd of the year, Pennsylvania honors one of its most beloved neighbors, by challenging residents to share acts of kindness and reflect on how grateful we are to have each other.

143 was chosen as Rogers would use this as a special code for I Love You (this was based on the number of letters in each word).

Friends, we are encouraged to share acts of kindness and reflect with gratitude daily as Christians.  

365 days a year.

From the very beginning, our heavenly Father wanted to be in community with us.

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as He was walking in the garden in the cool day…..” Genesis 3:8

He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden.

He wants to walk with us now.  

He gently pursues us, from all neighborhoods across the globe.

He challenges us to love Him and those around us.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  

This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:

Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22 : 37-38

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Love your neighbor as He loves you.