With this writing about neighbors, I now refer to my next-door neighbors; a couple who have idols in their backyard. When they moved in they diligently worked on their landscape, putting a fence around the area, seemingly secluding it.

As time went on there were many things they did that showed me they didn’t, definitely didn’t, have the love your neighbor as yourself  lifestyle down. Friends, I’ve let everything go that I chose to, however when it comes to damaging my property – I’m there. And I do deal with this kind of situation with fighting the good fight…

Selah.

I don’t return evil for evil, I don’t seek revenge. I am a child of God and I pray for their salvation. Other than that, I stay away from such ungodly neighbors who are so self-involved: there is no fellowship there, none that God would approve of and none that I would enjoy.

Here’s the situation I took charge of, not tolerating yet another disrespect. You see our homes are close together. Our bedroom and office have windows that directly show the view of their home and their driveway. Their driveway runs all the way up their backyard to their garage…

This man next door has taken to blowing his snow with his snowblower pointed at our home. He did correctly ask Duane if he could blow his snow into our backyard where there is only grass and foliage. Duane, believing there would be no damage from melting snow / water runoff, allowed it. But then: twice (at least) I’ve seen this uncaring man hit my home  – my windows – with his snow, aiming his blower at home and my windows…

Our windows rock! They are, new as 2024, only two years old (and very expensive!) We chose not to have the grill on these new ones. We have a clearer view (much clearer view!) and our fur babies love to look out them! Tina loves to sit in the office on an end table and watch for her arch enemy, their dog.  She even hates his bark when she can’t see him. (That’s another neighborhood skirmish in itself.) She also enjoys seeing cars, trucks, children, squirrels and bunnies out of our windows… What a pleasure for her! I waited a long time for these windows…  And I’m not about to let them get broken by rudeness, by arrogance.

Selah.

When this neighbor first hit our windows with his snow with his blower, I talked it over with Duane. I have no problem being confrontative with anybody. And I told Duane if this guy does this again, I am going to pull the office blind all the way up and the make sure the bedroom drapes are wide open as possible… Then: I will sit on the couch in the office which is right by the window. This has happened.  Neighbor guy will absolutely know I am there and I am watching…

As of the past two years, I have done this several times. I will continue to do so every time. Before I started watching (and watching obviously) he hit my bedroom window twice. Ain’t going to happen again!!

Selah.

As for this year (2024), Minnesota has had next to no snow. And, the one-time blowing that was necessary (maybe) this man plowed much earlier than usual. (Maybe on purpose; hoping I wouldn’t be ready to guard my home. I wouldn’t doubt it.) The snow was extremely light as he aimed his snowblower at my home yet again. Duane said if he hits our house again, he will talk to him. And, if he continues Duane or I will tell him we will be contacting the authorities if he continues: and if we have to do that, we will also no longer allow him (which he did ask if he could) throw his snow in our backyard. That will stop.

You see beloved, this is no accident. Very easily he could turn the thrower part of his snowblower and not even put his snow in our yard… And when it comes to breaking our windows or damaging our home  — not going to happen.

So why do you think he purposefully hits our windows with his snow?

Well, let me tell you what is heard from me when I go outside… (Remembering he’s got idols planted in his yard; and he, his wife, and his daughter, have done several other disrespectful things.) They hear me talk to my dog, talk to and respond to God: I read Scriptures aloud (or recite from memory) every time I go out.

Yes, beloved, like a good neighbor, I won’t be there. I won’t go to his yard and pray to the idols. I won’t be there to fellowship with these two. And: because the joy of the LORD is my strength, I won’t be there on my property returning disrespect. But: as this man blows his snow, I will make certain every time he sees me watching / protecting my property, my rocking windows!

What do you think?