40Acts: Day Five - reconnect!

Sometimes the simplest things are the most difficult, and though it sounds simple today's challenge is perhaps the hardest so far.

"And the second commandment…you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these."

Cris Rogers reflected on how as a society we have become isolated from those around us. He encouraged us to look around and to begin reconnecting with those around us, a smile or a greeting can begin that process.

I wonder if we are drawn to programmes such as "Call the midwife" because they feature a lifestyle and a sense of community that we have lost. Having moved just before Christmas we were keen to get to know our neighbours, and so we delivered Christmas cards, it was fun and gave us a chance to get to know those living round us. But in the two months since then we have hardly seen them. We have noticed in the past that winter is isolating, it's cold and wet and people tend to stay in or jump in their cars, and so there is little opportunity to meet.

Our hope is that with the onset of spring we will find opportunities. In the village itself we have made a point of visiting the local shop, butchers and pub as well as the Tuesday village cafe, and over time hope to get to know our wider neighbours.

As for the challenge I was able to chat briefly with a neighbour Friday and Sunday but not Saturday! But this challenge never was for just one day, and I look forward to getting to know my neighbours in the months ahead.