day 2289: YIMBY

“A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

We well know NIMBY (Not in my back yard), but we don’t always know YIMBY (Yes in my back yard). Well, at least not very well. Every now and then we get a glimpse when someone or an organization opens themselves up to assist others by giving up a little of themselves.  YIMBY happens when we share our learning and experiences with others, even though it means we might not be able to keep the information all to our own use and purposes.  YIMBY happens when we take time to serve on a community board or committee.  YIMBY happens when we join a non-profit Board.  YIMBY occurs when we offer our home or office for a neighborhood or cause meeting. YIMBY happens when we stick our neck out as a company and commit to giving back our company resources of time and money.  NIMBY is easy.  YIMBY is hard.  YIMBY causes us to give of ourselves and probably be a bit uncomfortable in that we have to subordinate our own agendas and priorities for the good of others.

Was YIMBY what Jesus was telling us when He told us to love others?  The backyards of our lives; our time, our love, our gifts and talents.  When we open ourselves to others and give of ourselves, we are welcoming them into our own backyards and saying, “Yes” to what Jesus asks us to do.  For the same reason that YIMBY is uncomfortable, it is why we must continue to ask God to give us the courage and encouragement to be open to the needs and care of others, who are right here in our own backyards.

Reference:  Matthew 22:39 (New Living Translation)

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