Hi, all. Just a thought to help start your weekend.

Home. Lovely word — Home. They say that’s where the heart is. This pretty street scene contains a row of town homes. I’ve driven and also walked along many such streets, especially in larger cities. They seem so nice and neat. What very small “yards” they have are usually meticulously manicured.

This particular street is in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. Common walls are shared with sometimes-unmet neighbors in order to experience the conveniences of city life. If they own a vehicle at all, they must park in their one designated spot on the street in front. I imagine this to be very similar to apartment living — close quarters.

As pretty as all of this looks, I can’t help but think how ironic it all is. People pay unbelievable sums of money for these small homes (or for apartments), putting them in extremely close proximity to all of their neighbors. And yet, the majority of the residents in such places will never even meet or know the names of those who live so very close.

From the outside, it’s so pretty. But I can’t help but think of all the lonely people inside. Of course, that can happen in any neighborhood anywhere else, too. 

At a program last night, I heard the old song, “People need the Lord.” One of the phrases in it is this — “At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door!” Yes, He is! 

When your world is so crazy you feel as if you are adding to the craziness, when your work schedule is so convoluted that you don’t know whether you need to “zoom to a meeting” or “go to a zoom meeting,” when your family members contribute to your anxiety, when the frayed ends of your rope seem to be slipping through your fingers, remember that He is all you need!

People in pretty houses. Folks driving cars you only dream about. People living lives that bring you to envy. They may seem as if they have it all. But do they really? Do they know the Jesus you know? When is the last time you talked with your neighbor about your faith? Do they know you are a believer?

Your neighbors passing by your home may be wondering the same things about you this week. People need the Lord. Take Him to the people.

Just a thought. ’Til later.

Brad Campbell can be reached at mastah.pastah@yahoo.com.