#13: Love Your Neighbor

«(…) but most importantly, love your neighbor.»

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse made that statement during his speech after the US Capital riot.

I am not political. What happens in the United States of America is none of my business.

However, I can relate to the statement. I do believe that presumably small gestures matter. There is no such thing as lasting large scale change without small changes happening first. And it starts with you and me.

Or in Ben Sasse’s words, it starts with me and my neighbor.

Two years ago, two of my neighbors and I decided spontaneously to organize our neighborhood’s first ever street party. So we did a few months later. Everyone contributed generously. There was joy in the air. Love, you could say.

This year, we elevated the event to a bi-annual tradition. Love doesn’t just happen. It needs nurturing, which consumes energy and takes time. It is worth it!

What if you don’t want to or don’t find the time to organize a street party?

Quoting Ben Sasse once again:

«Shovel somebody’s driveway. You can’t hate somebody who just shoveled your driveway.»

Let’s all pick up that shovel.

It is not just offering a physical service. It is an act of kindness. A sign of love.