Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlestor, OK
Jan. 31, 2012

“Real Neighbors!”
“Do not plot against your neighbors, for they trust you...’" – Proverbs 3:29 (NLT)

I need to begin today’s message with a bit of a disclaimer. I may have used this illustration before so if I have then guess what? You are going to see it again!! But it truly fits today’s message.
Bob and Lynne weren't what they would consider good neighbors, but when they saw a moving van in front of the house across the street, they decided to change their ways. Lynn made some homemade bread and together they approached the house.
When someone answered the front door, Lynn said, "Hi. We wanted to welcome you to our neighborhood. Here's some bread for you." The woman who answered the door said, "Thank you very much for your kindness. But...this is a bit embarrassing. You see, we're not moving in. We're moving out. We've lived here 8 years!”
We discovered a couple of days ago what it means to be “a neighbor.” That in truth we are all neighbors—one to another. The fact that we are all human flesh links us together in a way that we are unable to escape. It would be easy to ignore this link if it were not for the fact that Jesus calls our attention that we truly belong to each other and have a responsibility to help those in need.
Pam was a mother of three children, ages 12, 9, and 7. Her husband of 14 years had recently been killed in an automobile accident leaving Pam to raise their children by herself. He had a life insurance policy that would at least help with some of the bills along with a small pension—but she knew the money would be tight. Her Christian faith was strong and her belief in God’s promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” sustained her during some very difficult times.
Charlie was a recent widower. He and his wife, Marie, had been married for over 50 years but never had any children. When Marie died of cancer Charlie was left all alone…literally. When Charlie and Marie first married they decided they would travel each weekend so they never established a church home nor did they have a foundation of friends to surround them. The house they were living in was rather large so Charlie decided to sell that home and move into something a little smaller and found what he believed to be the perfect house…right next door to Pam.
The day after Charlie moved in Pam and the kids went next door to great their new neighbor. After a brief introduction Pam presented him with a pie along with other food items. Charlie was at first taken back—no one had ever done anything like this before—but then gathered his composure long enough to say “thanks” and, “make sure your children don’t break any of my windows.” With that, the visit abruptly ended.
Pam was not quite sure what she should do. She wanted to be a good neighbor but yet was careful not to intrude upon this man’s privacy. She decided that despite this rather brief and awkward first encounter she would do some small, friendly acts of kindness and show Charlie that she would be a good neighbor.
At his bidding she made certain that the children were careful to not get on his property. If she was outside and saw him she made certain to greet him with a smile and a hello—neither of which were returned. The oldest child volunteered to mow his lawn—he refused the offer. After receiving a generous food gift from her church Pam thought she would share some of it with Charlie. His growl when he opened the door was returned with a smile from Pam—albeit a reluctant one. She was almost surprised when he accepted the food and when she turned to go back home he asked, “Why are you doing this?” She turned her head and said, “Because I want to. Because I need to. And because I believe that one day you might do the same for me.”
“Don’t count on it missy!” was all he said. He turned and closed the door with a thud. But instead of feeling defeated, Pam felt that perhaps she had actually made some progress.
One day Charlie was sitting in a rocking chair on his front porch. Pam’s youngest child, Marcie, saw Charlie rocking all alone and decided to go and visit. Strangely, there was a second chair on the porch. Without a word Marcie sat in the empty chair and began to rock. After several moments of silence, Marcie asked, “Why are there two chairs on your porch?”
Softly, Charlie answered, “It was my wife’s chair.” And that was all that was said. After ten minutes of complete silence, Marcie got out of the chair and sat on Charlie’s lap. The old man never said a word. He just continued to rock with Marcie right there.
One night as Charlie was getting ready for bed he heard sirens and they seemed to be on his street. He looked out his bedroom window only to see Pam and her children standing on their front yard as fire trucks converged at her house. The unthinkable had happened; Pam’s house was on fire. Charlie quickly went outside to make sure everyone was okay. Fortunately no one was hurt and the fire was confined to the kitchen area and was quickly contained—but the house would be unlivable for several weeks for repairs. Charlie said to Pam, “Get a few of your belongings together and if you would like, you can stay with me. You and the girls can have my bedroom and I have an extra room for your boy. My house is small but at least you can be near yours to make certain things are alright.”
With tears in her eyes Pam gratefully accepted Charlie’s offer. When given the okay Pam and the kids went into their home to get a few things for the evening and the next day. Charlie waited patiently on his front porch and when they crossed Charlie’s lawn he looked at this tired young woman and said, “You were right. A time has come that you need someone’s help and it is about time that I became a real neighbor to you.”
With that, a real bond was formed that would eventually lead Charlie to learn more about the God that gave Pam the strength to be a real neighbor! There is truly a difference between being a “nosy” neighbor and being a friendly one. The latter can help make a difference in lives!
Pastor J. T. Carnell