good fences make good neighbours

Ok so it's time to get a bit more practical.

I like people, but I also like my space. I'm a strong supporter of civility, you know, good fences make good neighbours (Robert Frost's brilliant 'Mending Wall' poem). I don't really know my neighbours, I just do the nod, or, if I get really stuck, engage in a little small talk. I get nervous about the idea of pulling down walls, of going past the 'neighbour' phase - it's safe, you're not stuck if the woman in the house behind you turns out to be emotionally needy and clingy, or the man in the house in front a little weird but delighted that you're now best friends. If you see my point.

But I've also been getting this vibe from God that I can't be serious about living him out, if I'm not prepared to get a little messy with my neighbours. So, I've decided to make brownie - and this week take brownie to all of my neighbours and introduce myself (yes, I've never even spoken to some...) and invite one set over for coffee.

Watch this space.