lawn mower

I have to set the stage by saying that people's possessions are stolen constantly in our neighborhood. Items are stolen, sold, re-sold, and installed in a matter of hours. I'm continually amazed at how quickly things change hands. It is much more efficient than any multi-billion dollar corporation.

We've built a relationship with one of our new neighbors. He is homeless and doesn't have a steady job. Last Saturday, just as I was getting ready to mow, he walked up to me and said that he had a proposition for me. If I would let him borrow my mower to mow another lawn, we would mow and trim mine for free.

Not much thought needed....I said yes.

I didn't get my lawn mowed on Saturday, and I didn't see him either. I thought he might come on Sunday while we were at church, but he didn't show. Then our pastor preached a message on serving the poor and both Nicole and I were very convicted of our selfish and possessive thoughts.

However, I was beginning to be concerned when nothing happened on Sunday, Monday, and then again on Tuesday.

Then on Wednesday my neighbor called when I was home for lunch. He said that he had sighted our neighbor and lawnmower a few houses away. After lunch I drove by and had a quick conversation. He promised that he would come by immediately, return the mower, and mow our lawn.

When I got home late last night, my lawn wasn't mowed. I was crestfallen. We pray for our neighbor and pray that he will honor God through obediance to His Word. Then this morning, he showed up to mow. He appologized, I forgave him even as Emma was calling for him from the back deck. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.....

Update - Mower is now across the street with promises of return later this morning.