This morning as I was getting ready for work I looked out of the window and happened to remark to ‘her indoors’… isn’t that the young doctor from down the street?
“I really couldn’t tell you” was her response.
It got me thinking. I grew up in the small village in South Wales, and I knew everyone in that village, not just our next door neighbors… but literally the entire village!
OK ‘Jamesy the talkdoc’ less of the flannel…. No I didn’t live in Llareggub if that’s what you’re thinking!
Some forty odd years later and now living in Canada, I can admit to having the best next door neighbors and I count them as true friends… but alas… on the street I live, apart from recognizing that young doctor’s Labrador, I couldn’t tell you from Adam any one else who lives there!
Why is this do you think? I live in a beautiful country with amazing views and lots of friendly people who love to have barbeques and party, hey we even make wine here! But as a rule when people get home from that long days’ daily grind at the office they’re rarely to be seen ‘chatting’ over the back fence.
So just what is missing that emphasizes human interaction and creates that sense of neighborhood & belonging that I experienced growing up in that small Welsh village?
After all, isn’t connection the core of what gives purpose and meaning to our lives?
