The Good Neighbor

Just recently, I went on an odd binge that began with watching A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. In this film, Tom Hanks plays Fred Rogers in a fictionalized version of a true story where an edgy journalist was assigned to profile Mr. Rogers. It’s a wonderful film about the effects of hope and optimism over a cynical heart. It shows how powerful an act being truly present to those around us can be. I highly recommend it.

My wife and I were left wondering how true to character Tom Hanks played Rogers, so that led into watching a documentary called Won’t You Be My Neighbor? The short answer is: Yes. Hanks made a marvelous portrayal of a man many have named a saint.

From there, I read a biography called The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King to discover even more about the kind man, and I have to say, he truly lived a remarkable life of service.

There is a theme that I keep running across from the various books and movies I consume and it’s this: the people who know what they are about, who are clear about their mission and purpose in life are the ones who make the greatest impact on those around them. When a goal is spelled out with crystalized clarity, there is very little that can stand in such a person’s way.

Mr. Rogers was one such person, and his mission was so simple, but also wonderful. He even wrote it into his opening song.

So, let's make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we're together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?

As an ordained minister, the idea of “loving one’s neighbor as oneself” was ingrained deep within his heart. So much so that he lived out his calling through the daily ritual of singing it out toward his viewers with the utmost sincerity while reminding children and parents watching that they are loved just as they are. The song served as an invitation to all who would watch his program to not only be his neighbor, but to also extend that invitation to those within their reach.

To some it may seem too daunting of a task to try and show the sort of kindness Mr. Rogers displayed day in and day out. But even Fred wouldn’t want you trying to copy his example. Instead, he would want you to find your purpose in life and live that out, for each of us does have something special inside that can impact the wider world around us.

Won’t you be our neighbor?