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We have a drowsy
neighborhood. Our neighbors’ favorite pastime seems to be leaning out over
their balconies. This endeavor appears to accomplish only two things: that
of killing time (not the sudden death of it, but rather making it stand
still) or being kept abreast of information (conspicuous sentinels). Even
when the Orthodox bells ring their distant clap it does little to move
them. In my neighborhood, time and people move like distant shadows to and
from sympathetic spaces.
Sometimes our neighborhood achievements move a bit faster than
those bells. Walking our twisted maze of streets and alleys around the
holidays, we find ourselves fleeing from whistling firecrackers being thrown
from overhead, alerting everyone that New Year’s is approaching. These
small canons are from the balconies of the misbehaved.
The other catalyst for rapid movement on the ground is the beating
of the rugs. Only the women are responsible for this very commonplace
activity and only on Sunday mornings. The rapid thuds beat a theme which
not even firecrackers can imitate.
I have found a new proposal for my neighbors on their balconies.
This is not a motion from the shadows but a direct inquiry from the Bible.
Zechariah chapter 8 talks about neighborhoods and neighbors and the
blessings they have in store. God told Zechariah that these blessings had a
condition: that neighbors were to tell each other the truth, exercise
justice, and live peaceably with each other. I know these words from the
Bible can encourage my friends as well. Along with pointing out sin,
explaining its consequences, calling them to repentance, I can explain to
them, “God’s promises about your future can encourage us now.”
That is something to think about while they are on their balconies.
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