I live on the border of Minneapolis and St. Paul and I often walk around the Prospect Park neighborhood. I love my neighborhood and walking past old urban houses, the flowered lawns in the spring and past my neighbors. I wouldn’t say my neighbors are unfriendly, but we are a reserved bunch. If you are walking past someone watering their lawn or walking their dog, you may get a polite head nod. And if you don’t, that’s ok too. I’ve never felt unsafe or unwanted there; we just like our boundaries.
Today was arguably the most beautiful day of 2020. It felt like everyone was outside in their lawns or walking. Kids are playing in the street; teens are doing their schoolwork on the front steps of their home, couples are walking together, and someone is currently grilling the most delicious smelling food. I even witnessed the monumental moment of a little girl learning to ride her bike without her training wheels.
By any other standards, today was a typical beautiful spring day in Prospect Park. Except one thing was different. People smiled at one another.
While maintaining social distancing, people everywhere looked up from their walk and smiled at the people around them. Sometimes the exchange was to communicate how we would pass one another while keeping a safe distance. But often eye contact was just for the sake of human interaction. People waved from their lawns and a few even squeaked out a “hey.” Kids waved from their driveways and adults made eye contact and smiled. I saw neighbors greeting each other from across the street, talking about how they were working from home and what they were doing to keep themselves busy.
Overnight this busy urban landscape has taken on the familiar attitude of a northern Minnesota lake where everyone waves at all the passing boats.
Today, I too left my apartment starved for human contact. And today, my neighbors delivered. I returned home energized and with a much-needed pep in my step. It doesn’t take away the loneliness I feel toward not being able to see my friends and family. I still wish I could hold my nephew or play with my nieces or meet my parents or my friends for lunch. But it helped get me through the day.
Spend time today outside. Clear your heart and your mind. Brush off the insecurity of tomorrow and the grief you are holding onto today. Don’t do it for yourself but do it for your neighbor. Go out and smile at people. Wave. Say hello. Comment on their cute dog or adorable baby in the stroller. Give a kid that makes a basket a thumbs up.
I’m not naïve enough to think that a smile can change a person’s life or even a person’s day. But you know what? Maybe it can change their hour. Or lift their spirits for 5 minutes. And right now, maybe 5 minutes is enough to get them through the day.
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 1:1-2
Blessings to you all during these uncertain and unusual times,
Kristi Larson, Director of Youth and Family Ministries
