Yesterday the entire Midwest prepared for the worst blizzard since 1967. Bottled water and candles flew off the store shelves, and snow blowers stood gassed and ready. Living across Lake Michigan from Chicago, I wondered if we’d be as hard-hit by the storm, but yesterday afternoon the winds picked up, and we got our answer, 2” of snow every hour. Half way through writing last night’s blog post, the power shut off, a frustrating development. Neighbors on one side also went dark, but on the other side, they had lights.
Within ten minutes my faithful neighbor Bob, the same guy who installed the dishwasher, was standing at my back door looking like a snowman. He was holding the end of a very long extension cord, offering to share their power “…so you can finish your blog.” Thanks to him, I did.
This morning as I came to consciousness, the first thing I heard was a snow blower. And there was Bob again, just finishing my driveway and moving on to the next. His wife Linda was edging with her shovel, and I stumbled out there as soon as I could throw a coat over my pajamas. But the work had already been done, and once again I was overcome with gratitude for these selfless neighbors.
In addition to my driveway getting cleared of deep snow that would have taken me hours to shovel, God was busy doing something else. He was making good on his promise to take care of a widow. From his throne room he’d been watching everything happening on the earth. And while keeping track of the needs of 6,897,500,000 people, he even noticed me.
Without mitigating Bob and Linda’s superb snow removal effort, I want to also give credit to God for being the motivation behind their kindness. He has sent assistance and encouragement to me again and again, not only through my next-door-neighbors but also by way of other friends and even complete strangers.
Although I don’t have a husband to look out for me anymore, I have a “Heavenly Husband” who manages the job with flare by sending willing servants like Bob and Linda to be his hands and feet. In the 15 months since Nate died, these two have done more for me than I could ever repay.
But that’s the beauty of it. They aren’t looking for repayment. And because of that, like it or not, the deeds they do for me and others will be handsomely rewarded in the world to come. It’ll be “ka-ching, ka-ching” on their heavenly crowns as the finest jewels are added.
This morning after Bob and his blower had moved on down the road, Linda and I stood in the snowy street and talked. I said, “Do you ever worry he’ll overdo it?”
“Oh, I don’t worry. When he passed me just now he said, ‘Isn’t this fun’?”
“Ka-ching!”
“Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love. You reward everyone according to what they have done.” (Psalm 62:11-12)
I mentioned to Rusty last night that I longed for a “snow day”. We are watching the storm swirl around us, but it is not snow, and oh, how we wish it were!
I remember that 1967 snowstorm at 808 n. cross street!
Your neighbours are doing a wounderful job!!! Have fun in FL now when you’ll for Micah’s first birthday
You are blessed to have such wonderful neighbors living next door – God has certainly used them to encourage me today to be a better neighbor.
Hmmm, it is amazing how you “just happened” to get this home in this neighborhood!!!
His hand is on everything.
God bless them abundantly and thankful our Father watches over you.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow!” May God bless your neighbors for their diligent obedience and overflowing lovingkindness.
Thank You, Lord, for providing such great neighbors. Thank you, Bob and Linda.
This post makes me want to cry. I wish I could be there to shovel your driveway. But it’s not about me. It’s about God, and the way He’s always looking out for you and surrounding you with the help you need.
Hi Margaret,
I wasn’t allowed outside in the 67 storm for fear I’d be lost in a drift! Two days off of school on this one… no complaints from me.
What great neighbors you have! Paul said to imitate him as he imitated Christ, so that makes me want to be like Bob and Linda, and Gunner, and Mary, and Connie….
None of them would want to be credited, either, just humble servants wanting the Lord to channel His help through them and reflect the glory onto Him.
His eye is on the sparrow, and His eye is on you.
Love,
Terry
Praise God for His angels at work everywhere.
Ruth
Linni…your daughter’s heart for your Mom and your deep insights into what she needs…(and your desire to provide it) has been so moving to me through these blog days of summer (and winter!) You have no idea how your “comments” lift me up and make me wish I had grown up next door to your wonderful family. Through all these days of change and sorrow, what has come through from all of you is shared love for family, deep love for God, and delightfully unique personalities expressing all this agape in winsome ways. Bless you…for being a blessing to your Mom.
I am thankful too that you have the Lord to watch over you!! Wonderful to know you have neighbors like Bob and Linda–yes they are blessed. Seeing pictures of this year’s Chicago blizzard is a powerful reminder that our God is Lord of His creation!