23 Sep 05 Going To The Dogs

Today, I just had to tell you about my neighbor. First let me say that we have great neighbors (3 out of 5 of our immediate neighbors are a lot of fun which in my mind is a pretty good ratio). We are involved in significant ways with the people who live next door to us, across the street from us and across the street and over one. We eat together, we help each other with projects and we just shoot the breeze whenever possible. We are really good shots.

I will deviate for just a moment from my point to make Greg jealous. Greg, I was helping the neighbor I want to talk about today move some shelves into his basement and what did I see? Yes, two guitar cases - an acoustic and an electric. Guess the make and model of the electric guitar? You got it, Gibson Les Paul — a moment of silence please.

Now back to the regularly scheduled thought. This same neighbor THE ONE WITH THE LES PAUL has a chocolate lab. He was going for a bike ride yesterday and had the dog riding in one of those carriers you attach to the back of the bike. Beth saw the antics from the kitchen window so naturally I ran out there to lob sarcastic remarks in his direction. The dog (about 6 months old) was living large. I know what he was thinking “Forget that fetch thing haul me around the neighborhood.” Either that or “food, mark territory, squirrel, food, mark territory, squirrel.”

He’s European (is that what you all do over there Brady?) and had a big laugh at himself vocalizing what the rest of the neighbors must have been saying about the “crazy European” at it again. He gardens without a shirt, in shorts and knee length rubber boots.

We’ve enjoyed our relationship with them and have been intentional in our spending time with them that through us they might see the Lord and come to know him. I’m planning to devote some more time next week writing about influencing other for Christ through intentional relational efforts.

Until then, have a good weekend and let’s see some pictures of Greg taking chipper for a ride on the back of his bike.