Introducing myself to our new neighbors as I do,
she responds:
“I don’t want to hear anything about God!”
From that point on I have no idea how to talk with Pam, our new neighbor. I wave when I see her, but she never responds.
One day I decide to visit our common neighbor, Donna. Going over to say hi, I find Pam sitting on the couch. For a while we sit in silence until Pam tries to start a conversation.
“I’ve quit eating chocolate.”
Donna responds, “I have also quit eating chocolate.”
God gave me the perfect response,
“I have found the most wonderful thing called, chocolate bark.”
But I keep my mouth shut! What am I afraid of? rebuke ? anger?
Pam departs saying, I know you watch me visit and come over when I leave.
I respond, “Once, only one time did I see you leave.
This was our relationship for 10 years.
This last month I was bringing a tomato over for her husband.
He had knee surgery.
Pam answers the door.
Surprised to see her at the door, words tumble out of my mouth!
“Forgive me, I have had no idea how to talk with you because you don’t want to hear about God.”
I did go on and give some of my backstory of why I act the way I do.
Pam responds much better than I expect.
The next time we meet at the mailbox,
Pam asks, “How are you doing?”