My Neighbor - Being Mr. Rogers · 6:49am Feb 14th, 2019
I was so blown away by how well-received My Neighbor was and so touched by people's reactions that I wanted to write this is a way to say thank you. I hope it's coherent; I'm tired and doing this more or less stream-of-consciousness.
People often lament that they want to be good but they don't see how; that the people around them often don't seem inclined to be receptive of their goodness, which makes it all feel like a waste.
And I get that. I really do. I've worked in charity and ministry and social work for enough years to know the sting of people who just don't want to actually be helped. I also know the sting of not feeling like what you're doing makes a difference.
Fortunately, doing good is a lot simpler than it first appears. All we need to do is change how we see things.
In the story of the Good Samaritan, a man is beaten by robbers and left for dead. Three men who ought to be his neighbors (because they were all part of his community) passed him by. It was the Samaritan man, who was a stranger and, moreover, a member of a group the beaten man was hostile to, who finally took compassion on him and cared for him.
Now, the extraordinary generosity of the Good Samaritan is worth remembering, but the main point I suggest we take away from the story is the fact that the Good Samaritan was a perfect stranger. He didn't do the beaten man any favors because he lived near him or was a member of the community; he did it because they guy needed him. Simple as that.
The fact is, our neighbor is anyone. It's the guy we pass on the street, the old lady on the subway, the cashier at the checkout, or the random writer an fimfiction. And, to be a Good Samaritan, a good neighbor, to that person, we don't need to do anything extraordinary. Just be courteous.
You see, true courtesy isn't mere artificial politeness. True courtesy demonstrates deep respect for the other person by saying "you matter enough that I took the time to be considerate to you." A simple smile and sincere "thank you" to the person on the other end of a help line, an apology to the cashier when you realize you snapped at them, holding the door open for someone, making a nice little comment or giving a like on a story can brighten that person's day in ways you can't imagine.
And I'm speaking from experience on all of these, but today mostly that last one. I've struggled with depression most of my life. It's not a life threatening thing any longer (and hasn't been for years), but whenever it flares up it's deeply unpleasant. I have ways to cope with it (see A 14th Century PSA - Soothing the Soul for some of them), but I always appreciate outside help.
Right now, a lot of things are going wrong in my life. I feel a loss of control in many ways and, frankly, it's been a struggle. The kindness of my neighbor during this time is what inspired me to write the story (which, incidentally, is a good way to cope with depression - look for the good things and build on them for others and yourself). All of your comments afterwards brought me to the point of tears on more than one occasion because I was so thankful A) that I was blessed with the privilege of helping people, and B) that so many people took the time to say, whether by words or likes or favoriting, that they appreciated it.
I can't begin to express how much it means to me. All I can say is... keep doing it! Keep doing it in your daily lives. Be kind to that random person for the split second you interact with them. You do make a difference; a far bigger difference than you will likely ever know. Be courteous to all, regardless of whether they deserve it or not. The ones who deserve it will have their days brightened; the one's who don't may rethink their own lives; and, either way (or ever if neither way), it benefits you to habitually live well. If we're good in the little ways, it's that much easier to be good in the big ways.
Just keep being good! You owe it to yourself as much as we all owe it to each other! You are my neighbors, and good ones at that!
Thanks, and you're welcome.
I'll be sure to check out that PSA sometime soon.
You can always tell the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
You are doing more good than you know by the love you put into your writing good sir. Always remember that God is closest to us not when all is well, but when we are bearing our crosses faithfully. For then, we are truly His children. God bless you sir.
We love you, Antiquarian.
Especially in this day and age, it can be hard to show kindness to others at times. I think that's one of the reasons I loved this story (that, and you're a top-notch writer); it's just no-strings, no judgments kindness. If only more people in the world practiced that... well, it's never too late to start.
Thank you again for your wonderful story, and if there's anything I or any of us can do to help you out, we're always here.
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Just knowing that you all care helps a lot. God bless, my friends.
You know, the word ‘hero’ is thrown out a lot these days, and I’m not saying everyone who is called that doesn’t deserve it. But to my mind, the real heroes are the ones who do their deeds quietly, with no thought of reward or recognition.
Like the ones you’ve described in your blog.
I hope things work out for you, and I hope you continue to be an example to follow.
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Thank you.