A clarification of sorts

I have mentioned a few times on this blog about the fact that we are moving and that the neighborhood is part of the reason. I have been burdened by the fact that a comment like that could be construed as something wrong with the neighborhood, when in fact, the problem (if you want to call it that) is really me. I have allowed several things that have happened in this neighborhood to keep me inside and distance myself from others. I'm not saying there isn't a time when you have to do that, because there is. But by my distance, I have missed a lot of opportunities - a lot. Opportunities to overlook the bad and see the good, opportunities to help a neighbor who lost her dad, has a sick child, or just needs a shoulder to lean on. Most importantly, opportunities for people to see God through me. If Jesus looked at me the way I look at my neighbors at times, there would be no hope for me. If Jesus only looked at the mistakes I make, the temper I have or the lack of judgement I possess he would turn the other way. But He doesn't. He loves me - knowing everything, EVERYTHING, He never turns away. He took my cross and carried the weight of my sin and paid the price for me. All He asks is that I love my neighbor - is that so hard? I pray the Lord will forgive me and help me correct my ways, be it in this neighborhood or the next. That's what grace is, right? And where would I be without His grace.