Love Thy Neighbor | THE VIRAL Journal, Part 29
By Josh Jennrich
Our team here at ShirtBOARDS hopes that each and every one of you had 4th of July filled with fun, great times to remember, happiness, and safety! Maybe you ate too much food? Maybe you drank too many adult beverages? For many, including myself, this year was definitely a bit different than normal. Although firework shows around the country were supposed to be “cancelled,” I think I saw and heard enough fireworks to last just short of a lifetime! Or, just maybe until next year!
This was the first 4th of July I spent out in Minnesota. A very unique one due to the times, but it will be one that I remember for a long time. Some of you may be able to relate, but holidays can be hard when you’re away from your family. Especially when most of the holidays you can remember have been spent with family, or those people that you call your family. Since I relocated to Minnesota in May, it’s like I’ve had a family out here the whole time. ShirtBOARDS co-creator, Steve, and his lovely fiancé, Kaylee, have brought me into their home and have made me part of their small family. For this, I’m forever grateful! My heart has been full since the moment I stepped foot into the city of Minnetonka, in which I have been received with open arms. Although in a different home, with different people, my 4th of July felt the same as if it was spent with people that appreciate me and care about my best interests. Different family members, but still family members. We spent time on the lake, enjoyed some adult sodas, made some new friends, and celebrated our ability to be able to celebrate.
It’s important that we all treat people the way that we would like to be treated. This includes people that we know, people we meet, and people we will meet in our future. I think we can all admit that this isn’t a very hard task, however, it seems to be a common one that we forget to remember. One thing I was taught as an athlete is that consistent practice leads to progress. The more we practice, the better we come. A family member, a friend, or a stranger have one thing in common….we are all human beings and we all deserve to be treated respectfully and equally. It’s simple, LOVE THY NEIGHBOR!
Here’s a feel good story that I hope will inspire you to lead with love and treat everyone around you with that respect and equality that you desire. Remember, we don’t know what an individual is going through at any moment in time. Kind words or a simple smile can go a long way!
For Goodness’ Sake,
Josh
>Share Josh’s state of mind? Be resolute in a LOVE THY NEIGHBOR ShirtBOARD.
Our e-journal documents the COVID-19 pandemic from our viewpoint within our community. In the short-term, we hope it promotes connectivity and contrast within our shirtBOARD network. In the long-term, we hope it gives timely interpretations of the event to provide insight and understanding for future generations.
