Love your neighbor? Who me?

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In am ongoing discussion group that I am a part of on Facebook, Adrin said this in response to the command to: "Love your neighbor as yourself..."

"...I've got some things to work on in this neighbor-love department."

Don't we all Adrin, don't we all.

Last fall my friend and hairdresser suddenly passed away from a massive heart attack. I'd only seen him two or three days before when I got the call that he had passed away. I barely spoke the word, "No." as it felt there was no air in my lungs to push the words out. It was shocking, sad, and made me wonder if we talked about all important things at our last visit. I still wonder that months later.

I was shell-shocked with grief. How could the passing of someone who was not a part of my daily life be such a massive loss? I'm not sure how, but he had quickly become my neighbor even though he lived across town.

Anyhow - his passing has made me more aware of the uncertainty of time we all have to live. Sincerely sharing our lives with each other become more clear in the perspective of when we loose someone - close or even not so close. The loss of William woke me up. I have "some work to do in this neighbor-love department" as well.

I think I need to stop snoozing and really wake up to love - for my neighbor, for my acquaintances, for my family and for me.

Where's the alarm clock anyhow?