Our Neighbors

I received a gift today. The gift of friendship and hospitality. Our neighbors across the street, Tom and Bobbi Nordstrom, or Papa Tom and Miss Bobbi as the kids call them, are truly a gift from God. From the moment we moved in they were there for us. They are a wonderful couple filled with God's love. They love our kids as if they were their own grandkids and take care of Matt and me like they do their own kids. It's a perfect set up because our kids don't have grandparents close by and their own grandkids are far away, too. Today Tom, who is a contractor, came over to fix our leaky shower. We wanted to pay him because he has been having a hard time finding work lately but he wouldn't let us. "It's all under the Lord," he said to me. And as he was saying goodbye to the kids (with lots of hugs and God bless you's), he saw a little pink shoe and said it reminded him of one of his poems. He was working on this book of poems when we first moved in and he finally got it published. He asked if we had a copy yet and when we said no, he said whoever had shoes on should go over to his house and get one. Well, I had shoes on for once. I hate wearing shoes but I happened to have them on today. So I went across the street. We went into the house and Tom told me to sit a while. So I sat on the couch and chatted with Bobbi while Tom got the book and signed it. I immediately looked for the pink sandal poem and read it. It was the sweetest poem ever! They told me to sit back and relax. Stay for a while. Would you like something to drink? Tom brought a foot stool and a blanket for me. They tucked me in and told me to stay as long as I wanted. Bobbi moved a stack of stuff from the couch and said if I wanted to, I could lie down and take a nap. Tom left to do some work and Bobbi continued her housework. I sat on the couch and read Tom's poems. I sat there with no one demanding anything from me. My heart felt so full. These wonderful people are a perfect example of the true Christian spirit. They live to serve others because Christ wants them to. Wants us all to. They are not judgemental, they do not complain. They are having a hard time financially right now and might lose their house. But still they give, give, give. God bless you, Tom and Bobbi. And thank you for your example of how to be a Servant for Christ's sake. We love you!!