There are a few ways that I know that God loves us. One of them is that he allowed us to buy this wonderful home four years ago in this great neighborhood. But just so we did't miss the point, God gave us people like Dot and Cliff as neighbors. Dot and Cliff are about as close as we can get to replacement family here in our little town. You couldn't order better neighbors, even if you were a part of a home owners association.
Last week were honored to help Dorothy and Cliff celebrate 50 years of marriage. A milestone rarely reached, rarely celebrated, and rarely attended with smiles and laughter from the bride and groom.
Not that their whole life has been a party. Cliff and Dorothy have had their share trials. They have shared a life of special parenting, of loving and serving a son who's needs were tremendous.
Dot and Cliff have had their share of tears and trials.
We were more then happy to gather and watch them cut their cake, renew their vows, and look back on their life. Dot and Cliff bought the house to next ours when it was brand new. Our house was built a year or two before theirs, and they've watched families come and go from this street. They've got stories about who used to live where - when they moved out and who moved in. I've often called Cliff to ask him about our house's history. For anyone who owns an old home, you know how priceless it is to have that information.
I invited Cliff inside our house for something shortly after I bought it. I'll never forget Cliff standing in the kitchen and saying "it's been 40 years since I've been in this kitchen." I haven't even been alive for 40 years. It's so hard for me to grasp that thought.
Dot and Cliff call us at work when we have a package on our front door. They often take it into their house, or sign for it (whatever that package may be :)
I've borrowed Cliffs tools more then I care to admit (and have broken a few of them).
Dorothy has taken care of my pet lizard for heavens sakes! While we were in Canada, she's fed and watered my chameleon and my praying mantis! I'm not sure my wife would do that for me!
As a young couple you look forward to kids, grand kids, to connecting with other families with kids. But God had a different plan for these two. He gave them a job to do, and then he gave them the love and ability to do it.
It's been a year since Jeffery went home to be with the Lord, leaving these two parents to figure out how life works without him. We know we can't imagine how that transition has been for them. But from our point of view (across the lawn) they seem to be doing pretty good, and for that we praise the Lord for continuing to give them grace and love.
Ruth and I really want God to use us to show His love to our neighbors. But it's neighbors like Dot and Cliff who remind us of God's love for us.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9