The New Neighbors - Conclusion

 The weekend arrived and, as was often the case, JW's wife, Denise, was in the front yard gardening when a man came out of the house next door - the new neighbor!  He was turned away from her, but she called out, "hello," but there was no response. (Maybe he didn't hear - so she said it louder - still no response.)  Hmmm, she thought, well, that was embarrassing.  I guess they don't want to be bothered with neighbors.

Meanwhile.....at the new neighbors house.  Jim told his wife how he had walked by the neighbor on his way to the mailbox and tried to make eye contact, but the guy wouldn't look at him so he didn't say anything, "so I guess the neighbors here aren't going to be friendly," he surmised. 

One day a package arrived at JW & Denise's house addressed to the new neighbors, so Denise took the package next door and rang the bell.  She noticed the lights flashing as the doorbell was activated. and thought that was interesting.  Jim appeared at the door.  Denise smiled and said that she was their neighbor next door and handed him the package explaining that it had been delivered to her house.  He spoke and signed "thank you" to her as his wife joined him at the door.

Denise introduced herself and explained the reason for the visit.  She said if they ever needed anything, she and her husband would be happy to help if they are able.  "My husband's home most of the time.  He's visually impaired so if you come over during the day, knock loud and identify yourself or he won't open the door..

Jim and his wife exchanged a look and then both said it was so nice to finally meet.

Denise went home to tell JW that the new neighbor was deaf so he must not have heard him when he called out.  And so - they now live happily next to neighbors who are friendly, just a little different on both sides of the fence.  Keep your mind open, full of gratitude, grace and kindness - you never know.... 

Denise greeted her and introduced herself and her reason for the visit.  

 

The New Neighbors - Part 2

 The New Neighbors - the other side of the fence.

The realtor told Jim and his spouse that the folks in the home next door were super friendly and that he'd spoken to JW and they were looking forward to meeting them.  He was sure this would be a good fit, not only because they were moving into a newly renovated house, but because this was an established neighborhood with friendly people.

Moving day came for Jim and his wife.  He told her, "you know what, I'm just going to tell the neighbors that we'll be moving in today so they know what all the commotion is and we get off on the right foot with them.  Maybe they have some suggestions that will help."  So - off he went and knocked and knocked on JW's door.   - JW asked, "who's there?" The knocking continued.  "Who's there?"  But no one ever answered so, blind, he did not answer the door. - Jim knew someone must be home - there was a car out front.  Maybe they didn't hear the knocking - so he pounded louder.  Eventually - he gave up, and somewhat frustrated, began to unload the moving truck.  He thought - these people aren't friendly at all - maybe they don't like people with tattoos.  

Later he saw a woman come to pick up the man (JW), who came out of the home and down to the car. Now Jim was even more unhappy as that confirmed that the neighbor had been home all along.  The woman picked him up and they were gone.  Jim went into the house and got his wife's attention so he could sign/tell her what he had just witnessed..

The New Neighbors - a short story

So, a blind man (we'll call him JW) was waiting on the curb for a ride.  Someone passed near him and he called out, "is someone there?"  His query was met with silence.  His wife, approaching in their car to pick him up, noticed a man walking behind her husband, cutting across their lawn and on to his home next door.  As the blind man entered the car, he asked his wife if she saw anyone and she responded with what she had seen.  He related his experience of twice calling out as someone passed him and being met with silence as he heard/felt someone pass near him.  Both then had a sour taste in their mouth about this new neighbor who was seemingly rude and unkind.  All of the other neighbors had similar encounters and most conversations relating to them ended with - they aren't friendly to anyone.

The unfriendly neighbor sells his house and moves away.

One day JW calls his wife and asks if they were expecting a delivery because someone was pounding on the door, but would not answer when asked who was there.  She told him they were not.  JW did not answer the door.

That evening JW's wife came home to see the new neighbors working swiftly unloading a rental moving truck as she picked up JW to take him to a medical appointment.  As one of the men looked up, it was with an almost angry expression on his face.  After several errands, she returned home intent on saying hello and welcoming the new neighbors to the neighborhood.  The moving truck next door was gone and all was quiet with nary a person in sight......

tomorrow - the new neighbors continues....

Memorial Day Weekend

 What a wonderful opportunity to reflect, recognize and give thanks for those who have served

 in our military and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.  Not only did the individual who served pay the price, but so did their families and loved ones.  Let's not allow others to steal from their legacy by usurping the holiday for their own purposes and political gain. Remember: No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

May God bless you and keep you today and eveyday.

Restoration

 

Well, it's time for me to get out of the city and back to nature. I don't know about  you, but after a while in town, I need the respite of a place by water.  This setting came to mind as I have been reading/memorizing Psalm 23.  It's a familiar Psalm to most., often read at funerals, but it holds so much life for everyday living.  

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing, He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul... those are just the first 3 verses.  Wow!  Great reminder that we don't need to worry.  God supplies all of our needs as we trust Him.  He provides the rest and refreshing as we abide in Him.  He even leads us to quiet waters, but, like the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."  

Maybe we need to take that drink and rest in Him, remembering that whatever comes our way, He's got us in His care.  With all of the storms that have befallen me and our family this year, He has been faithful, provided and even given peace beyond understanding when the world would have me "freak out."  Make it a great day!

 Hmmm....when your artificial tree sheds more needles than any real tree at the time of removal, there may be a problem.  I'm thinking it's time to move on and finally get a new tree.  I planned on getting a new tree last year as I was fairly certain that the time had come, but I think there's that part in me that is just plain being a rebel.  I miss the fresh trees we got until moving to the desert.  

Our adventures weren't quite like the Griswolds in that my father and mother were always prepared.  Maybe that's why I always felt growing up that I could do anything. There wasn't the fear that I'd be left hanging or that a mishap could be catastrophic.  I ran down the road of life taking every challenge as an assured win at the end and every sideways path as an adventure that might lead to new and amazing things.

But, you weren't raised by my parents and I know that they weren't raised in such assurances, except the assurance we can all get from our Heavenly Father - "for I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

Remember, whatever you are going through - whatever road or detour you are on - He's got your back and His plans are greater.

God bless you.

Can I just say....I'm trying to do better every day.  Wow!  Just read an amazing book, "Everybody Always" by Bob Goff, which I read following his book "Love Does."  Boy, I have been inspired to love better and outside the box.  I'm thinking of creative ways I can show love in my neighborhood during these rather questionable times.  Maybe a little anonymous note left at one's door...an invitation to an evening movie in the park (family friendly)...there are possiblities that I'm sure I've not thought of, but I want my neighbors to know they are loved.

Do you know what the Goff family did?  They started a yearly parade in their neighborhood that started with a handful of neighbors and has become one of hundreds and time filled with joy, laughter and honoring one another. 

I am so grateful for him and those in his sphere who work at showing love - yes, even to your "enemies" who may not be who you think.  He's inspired me to do better - to be a better human amongst the throng.

We're called to "...love one another as I have loved you..." John 13.34  Bob Goff's book is full of examples, situations and circumstances that show us how and ask the question always, how would Jesus love this person?