A Rule of Life is ancient Christian language for practices to organize your life around what you love. We all have, consciously or unconsciously, created rhythms for our life to protect what we value. Regardless of our age, gender, or personality, we all have a Rule of Life. We all have practices that shape us and form us.

The place you call home has a history. The geography where you live has a story. To know your neighborhood begins with the practice of knowing the history of your neighborhood. Learning the history of the place you and your neighbors live is a spiritual practice.

Summer is a season of consistent unplanned interactions with neighbors. It is an ideal season to practice creating a neighborhood map to learn the names, history, and hopes of your neighbors.

Curiosity about your place creates a common ground of conversations. Be curious with neighbors and local leaders. The more you practice curiosity, the more you encourage it in those around you.

Jesus lived a different way. He lived seeing life. What we see, and how we see, matters. If you don’t know where to start in loving your neighbors and neighborhood, ask Jesus to help you see.

Being a regular is an ordinary, but intentional, practice to love your neighbors and neighborhood. It is arranging everyday activities with consistency. Being a regular provides a rhythm to build relationships.

The first practice is to listen.

To love a person, or a place, we begin by listening. Listening is how we cultivate connection. The invitation is to be generous with our attention. Listen invites us to give honor and focus through our senses. At the root of all formation and transformation is an awareness. Awareness begins with listening.