Greetings!

Today, I was blessed to be present at the 95^th birthday party of one of the patriarchs of our neighborhood. It was awesome to see old friends. It allowed me to reminisce about growing up in the neighborhood. Many of our parents, siblings, and friends have passed away...some young, some old...and it was just good to get together to celebrate for a change.

Most of my friends have children of their own, and it was amazing to see how much they resembled their parents. We had fun trying to pick out their parents...some were just too obvious. Our families have always been close. There were probably five families in our circle…and when I think back as far as my mind will allow, they were there. Many of us grew up and left the area, so there are probably only a handful of people left in the old neighborhood.  Mr. Daniel is one of the last parents we have from that era. Our parents went through some tough times together, and when we were young, they all looked out for us.  

I never thought I would look back and be glad about all the whippings and punishments I received, but I am so grateful for parents who cared. They raised us to love the Lord, respect our elders, and help one another. Those are the same things that God wants from us today. He wants us to take our minds off ourselves and help someone else.

Our parents knew what it was like to struggle, and yet they still found time to call on a neighbor in need. I remember my mother taking a dish to a neighbor, speaking encouragement to one of my friends, and having my friend’s parents do the same thing for me. I miss that feeling of community. It’s good to look back every now and then, and remember the “good old days.” It helps us to appreciate where we came from.

Maybe it’s not too late to get some of that back.

Until next time…

Be blessed!