Never missed.

In this scary, sad story, we hear about the account of a reclusive widow who died and wasn't discovered for a year and a half.

There is so much that can be said about this. The 72-yr-old lady was a long-time resident, had lived alone since her husband died in 1985, and tragically, no one noticed her absence for the 18 months that preceded the discovery of her and her dog's remains. Her house was even auctioned off with the body inside.

The easy thing to do is to wonder aloud as to how her neighbors did not notice her absence. I mean, really? In this day and age?

And then it hits you. It is all about this day and age. Even worse, when I look in the mirror, how much better am I?

When God spoke about neighborly, I don't think He was very unclear. The whole love requirement was simple and all-encompassing. Yet, when I spent the time to examine myself in the light of the story above, I admittedly fall flat. Would I really go out of the way to be a true neighbor, or do I make up the excuse of not being "nosy" to help be justify avoiding interaction? Am I accessible to my fellow man?

What about the homeless guy down the street? My brother or sister in Life Group? The parent of a player I coach? My wife?

There are so many arguments out there... it's a different time, the internet, privacy issues.... you name it. Should they matter?

Honestly, when I put myself on the scale that compares the love for myself with my love for my neighbors, one side is woefully short.

I think that is something we all need to look at intimately, as individuals and/or church workers. We should strive to ensure no one slips through the cracks.

The report references folks who were trying to remember what the lady looked like.

Have you been neighborly today?
Praise God!

Never missed.