Shared Spaces

It is ironic that we talk about neighboring when many of us today don’t have any meaningful interactions with our neighbors. It is hard to love a neighbor you never see. The way our homes are built prioritizes privacy, big backyards, fences, and automatic garage doors which allow us to enter our homes without ever interacting with the outside world. On average, most people interact with their next-door neighbors infrequently, typically spending a few minutes a month with them. If we are going to "...consider how to stir up one another to love and good works," (Hebrews 10:24 ESV) it is going to require us to be intentional about how we spend our time, so we can show that real connections and real relationships matter. 

On Halloween a few years ago, Ally and I set some chairs in our driveway, made a fire, popped some popcorn, made hot chocolate, and waited to see what would happen. Admittedly, I was skeptical that anyone would take a break from gathering candy to sit and connect with us. So I was amazed that a majority of our neighbors came by, sat with us and shared some special, meaningful time together. I learned a lesson about being intentional in the way we connect with our neighbors. The writer of Hebrews challenges believers to think about how to encourage and uplift those around them. This requires active presence. We must choose to inhabit shared spaces—like front porches, local parks, and sidewalks—making ourselves accessible to the people God has placed along our daily paths.

The intentional use of shared space was a defining feature of the early 20th century American "front porch era." Before air conditioning and television drew people deep inside their living rooms, homes were designed with large, welcoming front porches close to the sidewalk that were intended to be places of connection. This architectural layout helped make socializing a natural part of daily life. Neighbors spent their evenings sitting outside, which allowed them to watch over each other’s children, greet passersby, and naturally discuss local needs. By choosing to spend their free time in visible, shared spaces, they built tightly-knit communities where no one had to face life completely alone. 

We all know this has changed, and it has led to an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. I think God is asking us to help change that trend to connect with our neighbors. I am trying to be more intentional these days about sitting on my front porch, and working on projects in my garage with the door open. When we walk through the neighborhood, I am taking the time to connect with those I see. I want to make sure I am not putting up any unintentional barriers to those who might want to connect with us. 

Expectantly, 

Shawn