When a neighbor receives a kind note from us in the mail, especially if it is handwritten, they feel like we have a deeper desire to serve them or to connect. One might say that a handwritten note can be a game-changer, especially now when many consider a handwritten note a dying art form. Isolated and lonely people desire a personal touch, especially now during this COVID pandemic period in history. A handwritten note is the opposite of what happens on social media. There is no public exposure or influence or group laughter. But there is also none of the negative that comes with social media. Handwritten notes are tremendously powerful because they are so personal. Note writing has other benefits too. A handwritten note can provide a personal touch for isolated people. Handwritten notes are a great way to be an encourager by telling someone they are valued or doing a great job. Even introverts, who might be uncomfortable knocking on a door and handing a plate of cookies to a neighbor ...

Amid the hustle and bustle of our lives -- where we run from one appointment to another, one ball game or movie to another, and still require time to check our Facebook feed -- what would you do if a lonely neighbor reached out to you for friendship? Say, for example, that a widow living near you asked you to be her friend and come visit regularly? Or what if a neighboring couple was struggling with their marriage and asked for help and advice? Perhaps a neighbor's family finds themselves struggling when a parent loses a job. Would you have time to help in any of these situations? Or is this part of the reason you do not want to get involved with your neighbors?  Some research from 2016 by State Farm shows that nearly one-third of people do not connect with their neighbors because they do not want the "mess." I'd say the majority of people who do not connect with neighbors simply do not want to invest their time in anyone else. I think we call that selfishness. Well t...