First, draw a map of your neighborhood. Take a picture of it and turn it into your lock screen wallpaper on your phone. Students, please join us. You could draw a picture of the rooms on your hall in your dorm, or of the desks in your different classes and who sits at them.
Second, every time that screen comes up, pray a two-sentence prayer for one of your neighbors. "Lord, draw them to you, and show me how to love them."
Third, say "Hey!" Slow down and chat with your neighbors. Learn their names. Find out a bit about how they spend their time, who is important to them. And look for one way between now and Thanksgiving to take a next step in building a relationship with one of your neighbors – maybe finding a way to serve them, or ask for their help on a home project, or take them some cider and donuts, or have them over for a meal.
What do you say? Will you join me as we pray and say hey?
Let's carry our neighborhoods in our pockets! By carrying our neighbors in our pockets, I believe God will further plant our neighbors in our hearts.
