My neighbor, Dave, at age 17
My 85 year old neighbor, Dave, dropped by this afternoon. Since his wife died Dave comes by often for a cup of tea and a chat. He impresses the kids with his stories of WWII and sips his tea, patiently waiting while I help someone with their shoe or soothe a boo-boo.
Today was busy. I had a mission to accomplish. I woke up in my running shoes and the words stop and relax were not to be uttered.
As I tore through the kitchen, a thousand things on my mind, I heard the knock and, I am sorry to say, my heart dropped. Not now. I’m on a roll. Victory is in my reach. But no.
I open the door. Dave looked a bit ratty and unkempt. His smile weak.
“Hello Dave.”
Softly, “Oh, hi.”
“Cup of tea?”
“Oh okay, yes please.”
I put the kettle on with a quick glance at the clock. Well maybe a short visit and I can still finish A, B and C before dinner.
As I pour the milk in our cups I see our 18 month old toddle over to Dave and give him a high five. Baby laughs and Dave smiles and I think I see a bit of his weariness fall away.
Hot tea in hand a small plate of cookies just out of baby’s reach and I sit.
Slowly I begin to hear of poor health, of disappointments and a stubborn tiredness that won’t give.
My daughter runs through the room with a surprise bar of chocolate that she and daddy bought for me on their shopping trip this morning.
I break off a row for Dave and one for me. I see a slight twinkle return to Dave’s eye. The warm tea and the sweet bitterness of the chocolate warm me and I rest in the enjoyment of the moment. Time is forgotten as I look into those old, blue, wrinkly eyes that I have known as my neighbor for 15 years now. We chat about the old days and the new days and as Dave gets up to leave I realize that it is I who have been given a gift.
The gift of slowing down, of putting people before stuff and lists, of making a difference {however tiny} in the life of a friend.
Thank you Lord.
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17
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You are so right! I am always focusing on the things that need to be done and not enjoying the moment I am in with my family and friends. Thanks for reminding me what is really important. God Bless!