It
sticks out like a sore thumb, the pontoon boat, right in the center of their
property. We have to drive past their estate on the bend in order to get
to our homes and the pontoon is in full view.
This
is country living. There are no HOA restrictions that bind us so therein
lay a mixture of beautiful homes and neatly kept gardens dwelling alongside
residents that look like they’re preparing for a garage sale at dawn.
Rebels like us purchase property here. We don’t mind guns shooting off in
the distance just over the hill and the sound of goats, donkeys, horses, dogs or
the roosters crowing before sunrise. Owners of RV’s or flat
bed trucks are held in high esteem among these country folk. Our
road association meetings are a hoot, but that’s a story for another
time.
We
passed the pontoon property, my neighbor and I, after our workout in the park
one morning. Renie got quiet and asked: “Should I knock on their
door and introduce myself to them and ask them if it would be possible to move
the boat to another place on their property, less noticeable?”
“Hmm,
let me think for a minute,” I replied.
You
see, it’s been two years now since the disaster family vacation in Lake Havasu
City claimed the life of her 9 year old daughter. The accident happened
on a pontoon boat. Every day is difficult and passing by the boat, you
can imagine, is a painful reminder.
I
replied: “We have no idea how the owners (of the boat) will respond and I
really don’t think it should be you that approaches them.” At the risk of
sounding like I’m copping out, I suggested we not do anything until we pray
about this and listen to what God tells us to do. She agreed, teasing me
how I pray about … everything.
But
are we in control of anything? Nobody likes the pause button.
I don’t either.
I
prayed every time I drove past the boat.
It's gone! Did someone buy it?
There
for a while, I didn’t see it. I hoped someone gave an offer for the boat the neighbor couldn’t refuse.
The
boat returned! I’m disappointed.
We
wait for direction. Patience is working in us. But let
endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work,
so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects],
lacking in nothing. James 1:4
A
thorough work: what does it mean? Could God be healing Renie’s
heart regardless of the visual every day? We know one thing. He is
working all things together for good for His children who love Him. He’s
a good God and He has the perfect answer.
We
just haven’t….. grasped it yet….
“Sometimes
God doesn't change your situation
Because
He is trying to change your heart.”
Pinterest
I think you were wise to pray and to continue to pray about the boat. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child at such a young age. I do agree God is working in each and every situation of our lives; I'm sure the outcome of this will be amazing on how a heart can be healed and perhaps an outreach of a ministry making contact with whoever owns that boat. You'll have to keep us updated about it :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Hi, Betty!
DeleteThis is one of those stories that doesn't have an ending yet...like our lives. We're living each day by God's grace. How will He end it? This situation already has provoked many opinions with those I've share it with. I can't wait to see the comments on it. Thank you for yours!
What a conundrum, Mary ... loose ends can be incredibly frustrating! I wonder if the boat's owner is even aware of that accident; and that Renie lives nearby. Personally, I'd be aghast. (Well, I think most of us would be.)
ReplyDeleteIn the end, I'm always comforted by Psalms' admonition not to lean on our own understanding.
Boat's owner is not aware, Myra! Boat is still there in full view but I loved Renie's response last week..."It's okay," she said! God's grace for sure.
DeleteThe Psalms comfort me too..so much!
Whether or not the boat's owner is aware of this, God is definitely aware and He is in control. So nice to see a post from you, Mary! God bless you. :)
ReplyDeleteA very good point, Linda. He will lead us too! Thanks for your visit!
DeleteMy prayers that the boat finds a new home with someone who is praying for a boat!
ReplyDeleteI'm agreeing with you on that one, Carol. Everybody would be happy!
Deleteyou are a precious prayer warrior.
ReplyDeleteHi, Denise!
DeletePrayer is the mighty power I want in my life!
Love you,
Mary
I think you gave the right answer to your friend. Everything, big and small, we bring to God and He will make a way. Let God's will be done, He knows best the best way to bring healing to your friend with or without the pontoon in sight.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your beautiful comment, Nancy. Indeed God is the healer and His ways are many.
DeleteI would certainly get to know these neighbors before making any request to move the boat. Perhaps God is working this out in His own way. You are wise to pray before you act. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us here at “Tell Me a Story."
ReplyDeleteI know right???? They have every right to have it and have it anywhere on their property. But if they really knew....would they feel the burden somehow?
Delete“Sometimes
ReplyDeleteGod doesn't change your situation
Because
He is trying to change your heart.”
Wow, this will preach...or teach...and going to post it on my fb tomorrow...good post
“Sometimes
ReplyDeleteGod doesn't change your situation
Because
He is trying to change your heart.”
Wow, this will preach...or teach...and going to post it on my fb tomorrow...good post
What's funny is how I've felt this is what God is doing and all of a sudden there was the quote right in front of my eyes! God thing.
DeleteAs usual, you shared and explained re: situations and strong necessity. Thank you, Dear.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and thank you for stopping by and reading my story!
DeleteWise and powerful, Mary. I'm encouraged and reminded of what my immediate reaction to all scenarios in life should be; seek God's will first. Oh, if only I'd have done that for more of this life...
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for your neighbors... I've lost a friend in Lake Havasu... I couldn't imagine one of my girls.
Your encouraging comment took me by surprise. I would have guessed you would take a more aggressive approach for some reason! :} You're mellowing with age...Thx for prayers for this family; I can see the difference! Sorry you lost someone.
DeleteHi Mary! Your prayers are so powerful, I think you should just keep up storming the heavens. I'm so sorry for your friend though, my heart just goes out to her. I can't imagine her pain.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful that she has you for a friend. I know you will be a wonderful support, both in prayer and in exercise to her. Your friendship truly blesses her.
God put Renie and I together, Ceil! We joke all the time how we would never have imagined such a friendship! I love your tender heart for the hurting and your encouragement to me to stay the course.
DeleteIt sticks out like a sore thumb, the pontoon boat, right in the center of their property. We have to drive past their estate on the bend in order to get ... 1pontoonboats.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing yours and Renie's story about the pontoon boat! It's lovely to see the caring way in which you approach your relations with other people as well as to see the way you apply prayer to things as seemingly mundane (though personally significant) as a pontoon. This is my first experience with your blog but I will continue to read it in the future! http://prestigepontoons.com.au/gallery/piled-pontoons/
ReplyDelete