Trailer Park Tale

This story needs a bit of a preface.

I have shared with a few of you

that Stuart and I own a trailer park in town.

We rent lots and have some rentals too.

Most of the rental homes have been 

taken over by our girls.

I don't cotton to being a landlady very well.

You would think after 20+ years

I would have adjusted.

I have a hard time being a gripe.

I always want to believe the excuses/reasons

whatever you want to call them

why someone can't/won't pay.

I had a hard time reconciling it with my faith.

Then a wise friend said to me...

Is this your ministry or your business?

Ok, she was right.

It helped support my family.

I am kind but when I have to be firm,

now I am without guilt.

The night we were out crime fighting

in all our finery...

We had been at Abbie's trailer

(yes, she lives in the park)

and as we were leaving I see an evicted renter

sitting in his car.

I had been unable to reach him 

and he was to have moved 

several days earlier.

I made my comrades stop.

I got out and let him have it.

All while looking like this...

I look serious as a heart attack, huh?

Anyway we have our chat,

and I was revved up.

A few days later he calls me.

We talk about him finally, really getting out.

I give him a few more days to clean it up 

and get all his belongings out.

He needs to finish painting a room 

he started and didn't finish.

I agree because

I didn't want to have to deal with his stuff.

Then, I witness to him.
I tell him all about Jesus.

I want him to know

there is a better life for him.

I tell him that with Jesus

there is no condemnation,

only forgiveness and love.

I stress that his life is not going well.

Maybe he needs to search his heart.

I say ...salvation is easy... 

just say a prayer to Him

that asks Jesus into your heart.

Tell him you believe he died to save you 

and you accept him as your savior.

Confess that you are a sinner.

We all are.

Simple deal there.

Then, you start walking with Him.

He will lead you if you follow.

He tells me he will consider it.

He tells me he loves my blog.

What?

That floored me. 
Seriously?

Well, he moved.

He didn't paint.

He didn't clean up.

He didn't pay.

The home is a huge mess.

There are soft spots in all the floors. 

Trash from the front to the back of the place.

Maggie's sis/brother-in-law lived there previously

and it was fine.

 Now it is trashed.

I don't know when we will get to the repairs.

My husband is super busy

building a house and a barn.

But hey, J, if you are still reading my blog...

I am still praying for you.

I want you to find Jesus waaaay more

than I want your rent money.

If you need a partner to help you

say that prayer,

give you a ride to worship,

or just talk...

you know my number/email.

I forgive you 

and Jesus will too.