A couple nights ago I was out walking the dog and a car drove by.
As I typically do, I waved to the driver. And as often happens today, the driver did not wave back!
When that happened this time, I instantly thought how my dad would have waved.
You see, my dad was on my mind because he had just passed away a couple hours earlier...
... and one of the things I remember about my dad is that he was a neighborhood guy.
Dad always had a sincere interest in the neighbors.
He was constantly connecting with them, showing concern and wanting the best for them.
He'd notice when things seemed amiss with a neighbor and looked into it.
And I don't recall him ever saying anything bad about a neighbor either. Even the goofy ones.
My dad always had an eye out for what was best for the neighborhood too.
He even uncovered a mini drug operation taking place down our inconspicuous, suburban street!
When I think of my dad, I think of someone with a lot of great qualities.
But one that really stood out is that he loved his neighbors well.
And this has become evident in the way these same neighbors are now showering love on my mom.
Yet beyond the love, there was something else at work in my dad's neighborly ways.
He was fulfilling the dominion mandate...
In Genesis 2:15 God gave the command to cultivate and keep the garden.
Well for Dad, the neighborhood was his garden, as he nurtured and watched out for those who lived around him.
And because this kind of care is so needed today, Don Bostrom will be missed.
The neighbors will miss him.
And I'll miss him. Because he was my dad.