Peter has been our neighbor for 8 years. Today we learned that he has either squirrels or mice giving him a fit at night. It's cold in Maine and the animals long to come inside if they can find a way.
In the winter, we may see the top of Peter's truck (just the top due to the large snowbanks) go by on his way out. In the summertime, he may strike up a conversation in the front yard while walking his dog. I saw Peter last week just as I was leaving the optometrist. He held the door for me. I recognized Peter but I don't think he recognized me.
If you saw Peter, you would probably assume that he is an elderly self sufficient Mainer. Today we found out that even Peter needed a hand. While the kids were sledding, Peter pulled into our driveway. He asked the kids if their dad was at home. The kids informed me that he had stopped by as he was pulling out of the driveway. A visit from Peter was out of the ordinary and it concerned me a bit. I wondered if maybe he needed Barry to help him lift something or perhaps needed snow cleared from a hard to reach place. I immediately called Barry at church to let him know.
Barry went by Peter's house on his way home. He lives on a dead end street that goes by our house. We have only been to his house once. Our family had taken goodies to Peter two Christmases ago. He had not been at home so we had left them on his porch. When Barry stopped by tonight he found out that Peter needed his help with setting mouse traps. Mouse traps. God used mouse traps to help connect us with Peter. Sometimes here in Maine and I am sure in other places, too, it can be hard to find a way to start a relationship with folks. Some relationships may be easier because of age, common interest, children, work, etc. I am so thankful that God gives us a jump start sometimes. Barry and I repented tonight because we had not done more to develop a relationship with our neighbor Peter. Barry made plans for me to cook a meal for Peter and left our phone number just in case he needed us to check the traps or for anything else. I am thankful that when we fall short of God's greatest commandment, He still loves us.
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Luke 11:27
Please pray that Peter comes to Christ as we commit to share the whole gospel with him in the near future.
Mice. I loathe them. But I am thankful that God used them to open my eyes and to lead me to repentance.