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The Public Nuisance
- 03/05/08
- 42
Elizabeth is a public nuisance. Her status is not official yet, but it will be soon. The local police have encouraged the families in this neighborhood to fill out the paperwork that will fulfill the legal requirements. It’s probably the best thing to do. When that paperwork is complete the police will no longer be forced to respond to her every call. And she calls a lot. When a car parks a little too far into the road, she calls the police. When she believes someone has trespassed on her property, she calls the police. When the children are playing outdoors and a ball rolls into her yard, she calls the police. She has the reputation of a person who must sit by the window with phone in hand. Nine and one are already pushed and she’s just waiting for a reason to hit the one again. She was one of the first people we were told about when we moved to this neighborhood. “You’re going to have to watch out for Elizabeth…”
Everyone in the neighborhood knows who she is. Her yard is easy to spot as it’s the one that is completely overgrown. In most cases people who do not care for their yards have it cut by city hall and receive a bill in the mail. In her case she’s managed to convince them that this chaos is a gardening style. Her house is over an aquifier she says, one of the few in the area, and that is why the trees grow so well and why they remain so dense. She’s the one who hands out apples or oranges on Halloween. She’s the one who has lived in the neighborhood since before many of the rest of us were even born and long before the other houses were built.
A few weeks ago Aileen came into the house and told me that Elizabeth was out shoveling her own driveway. She is definitely too old to be doing this. So I put my coat on, grabbed my shovel, and walked up the street to her home. She had propped herself up with a crutch under her one arm and was holding a broom in the other, trying to sweep the snow away. We had seen a good ten centimeters fall and it was wet, heavy snow. A broom wasn’t going to cut it, and particularly so along the edge of the driveway where the plows had pushed it into hard piles at least a couple of feet high. I asked if I could help her and she hesitatingly agreed. She gave me a few pointers on how to best shovel and told me she’d be pleased if I’d just deal with the big piles close to the road. She asked if I would like to be paid and I said, “Absolutely not.”
I got to work while she headed indoors. I cleaned up the piles and then got to work on the rest of the drive. A few minutes later she emerged from the house to chat. She told me that the driveway had been widened many years before and they were able to fit at least eight cars in it. That explained why I was winded. She told me about her broken leg and then about her sons, both of whom live in the area, I believe, and both of whom seem quite well-to-do. She seemed perfectly pleasant, even for a public nuisance. She was grateful that she was going to be able to get out of her driveway that day, because she had a schedule with a physical therapist. When the job was done I told her to get in touch with me anytime and headed home.
Since that day we’ve had several snowstorms and we’re in the midst of the snowiest winter in years. Last I heard we had seen 142 centimeters and that was three storms ago. We’re in the midst of another one today. The schools are canceled and it’s as good a day as any to just stay off the roads.
Whenever the snow begins to accumulate, I cross the ditch and shovel her out. There was one time that I somehow forgot but she called a neighbor (she didn’t have my phone number) and asked him to come and knock on the door. He passed along the message and I hurried right over. By my count there are at least twelve or fifteen neighbors who are closer to her home than I am. They drive by while I’m shoveling or they use snow blowers to get the snow off their drives at the same time. But none of them help her. I don’t know if she has burned all of those bridges or if this is just a symptom of the times we live in. Even the neighbor who came to knock on my door didn’t offer to help.
Today is my son’s eighth birthday. Eight years ago we brought him home from the hospital and we were wearing shorts and t-shirts. Today it is well below 0, we have already seen 15 centimeters of snow, and it continues to fall. “In like a lion, out like a lamb” is what they say about March. I hope that old adage proves true this year. The last thing I wanted to do today was shovel out a long driveway covered in 15 centimeters of heavy snow. I grumbled to Aileen this morning, saying “I picked quite the year to start helping Elizabeth, didn’t I?” She lovingly scolded me and I went on my way. Though it’s his birthday, I told Nick to come along and to help me out. He did so quite willingly, despite having some new toys and games to play with and Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii demanding his attention. And off I went, perhaps a bit resigned to my fate.
We got to work, chipping away at the driveway. After a few minutes of hard work Nick piped up. “Daddy, this is what the Bible says, isn’t it? That anyone who has a need is our neighbor?” And he was right—that’s exactly what the Bible says. But Scripture also makes it clear that any good things I do are utterly worthless when I do them with a grumbling spirit. In that moment I saw that I had been going about this all wrong. My little boy (who really isn’t so little anymore) ministered to me this morning as we cleared the driveway of our neighborhood’s public nuisance. My boy is a blessing to me in more ways than he knows.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (42)
ummm… wow! I stand convicted with tears in my eyes. Thank you Tim for so humbly sharing with us. May my eyes be opened to who my “neighbors” are and may God give me a willing spirit. What sweet evidences of grace in your son!!! Thank you very, very much Tim. Thank you for helping Elizabeth. (ps.. can I have some of your snow? this Virginian is so sad for so little snow this year!)
Tim,As a Wisconsinite who is also seeing record snowfalls this year, I can relate on more than one level. A few years ago the elderly couple across our street fell into hard health times as the husband began failing physically. He passed away a little over a year ago now. During that time and since, we began mowing their lawn and clearing snow for them. We send our three children over in the fall to clear leaves, and in the spring to pick up fallen branches. Our children are learning how to spread Christ’s love through actions and we have learned how much of our every day lives are watched by those who live around us. As we meet new people in our little community (population 400), most people know us as “the people who help Helen.”
This year, we have expanded our practice of doing unto others by clearing more of our neighbor’s snow covered walks and driveways. It helps that I have a snow blower, but time and gas still make it a sacrifice. This year I began to approach the snow removal with a different perspective. As I am clearing the snow from any of our neighbor’s driveways, I pray for their souls. I pray that in the simple act of snow removal that God would open up conversation doorways where we can share His gospel. I pray for a boldness to speak His truth when those opportunities come.
Thanks so much for sharing this story Tim. May God’s grace be extended to those who live around you as the see your good deeds.
Tim, this was a heartwarming and encouraging post. As Christians, this kind of practical love and care will really help us to see the true needs of others more clearly.
Thanks for obeying the Spirit’s promptings!
I love it! Watch that little son grow up into even more of a blessing as the years go by.
And as for all the snow, curse that global warming. I know it’s somehow to blame…
I wonder how many on your block either: a) are Christians or b) know you’re a Christian. Although what you do is not extraordinary in the ultimate sense, in our society it is. Thanks for sharing this, maybe it will awaken others from their self-centred slumber. Hopefully it’s awoken me.
Thanks, Tim. Loved this article.
So… after shovelling the driveway do you join your son as the second player in Galaxy to collect star bits? :D
Truly one of the best Challies articles I’ve read.
Thank you.
Grace.
Happy Birthday, Nick. Thanks for encouraging your dad!
Happy birthday to Nick! How I love all the cute, deep things he always has to say and know he is learning invaluable lessons as well by seeing you helping this woman out on a continual basis. There are few greater examples you could give him then one such as this of what it truly is to be salt and light in the world!
Boy, I’m sure glad that’s one good turn I can’t participate in.
Hey Tim,Thanks for your honesty & humility in sharing with us. Isn’t it a blessing that God has given us our children, these little evidences of grace that have this keen ability to shed light on sin in our life!Blessings to you and your family,Petebtw..its sunny and -9 here in TBay! Just hope they don’t have to call out the army 4 u…hehe…just kiddin.
Beautiful post. Happy Birthday to Nick!
Oh, and can you come to Texas and prune my trees for me?
Thanks Tim, great post! It’s amazing how often our kids show us the way rather than the other way around!
I loved reading this. It is convicting because it reminds me that I need to be loving others in practical ways that culture no longer expects of me. And it is encouraging because it is a picture of ordinary Christians serving others and learning from each other. Thanks for posting.
And I’m ready for winter to be over, too.
Oh! Those pesky ol’ HEARTS of ours.
And oh! Those precious children.
Thanks for this, Tim. To quote my beloved last night, “You are quite a writer.”
Happy Birthday to Nick!And grace to you all—
In Christ our Hope,Tara B. (& Fred & Sophia Grace)
Isn’t it awesome to experience a “God moment” in the most unlikely of places! It so often is the kids that reveal God’s heart to us adults! We can learn a lot from them.
I was encouraged by your post Tim. Actually I love most of your posts. My day wouldn’t be they same without your post showing up on my reader!
You and your son convicted me today. Thanks for posting.
Excellent. Thanks.
Tim,
I just took a break from sermon preparation to read your blog. Thanks! I am preaching on Matthew 5:38-48, and as you talked about grumbling verses 41,42 came to mind. “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him to.” If you get a chance, do a little reading on this verse, it is quite convicting!
Yes, He definitely disciplines us through our children. What a blessing they are. :)
What a great story. A very good reminder to us all to check our hearts in what we do and to be willing to serve others. As a physical therapist, I work with people like Elizabeth and often wonder how they get along at home. It is good to know that she has a willing neighbor to help. Think of how many in this world don’t.God has blessed me with the heart of a servant when dealing with people. At least, most of the time. I too find myself in many situations where I need to check my heart while doing the service that God has called me to. I really appreciate the pointed reminder. God bless you, your family, and this continued ministry.
My greatest teachers have often been my children. What a precious story. Thank you for sharing. And I hope your son has a terrific birthday.
One more thing… I had a neighbor behind me that moved in a year ago. His wife complained about everything. I found myself avoiding her and praying that they would move. After all, she seemed to hate it here and she never hesitated to let us know all the details. She would even come to our door and complain about everything we were seeming to do wrong. It got to the point that we would see her coming and somehow we would disappear.Her husband stopped by this weekend as I was out power washing the van. He wondered if I had noticed that his wife and children weren’t anywhere to be seen lately. I sadly said that I did not notice because the weather was so cold lately that this was one of the first times we had been outside. He then told me that she took the children and left him.My heart shattered to pieces. I told him that I was so sorry and invited him to our neighborhood prayer group. I could see the pain in his eyes and I felt like such a jerk.I went inside and broke down before the Lord begging Him to forgive me… pleading with him to use our family to minister to him. Please pray for him.And again, thank you for sharing this story. I needed to read it.
That was a beautiful story, probably one of your best posts I reckon. Nick sounds like a pretty wise kid. It’s probably the name.
And may I just say, you also sound like a pretty wise dad, buying him Super Mario Galaxy. Fantastic game, good work :)
Thanks for the reminder Tim. We have several elderly neighbors that we have made a point to reach out to in practical ways, though not always as consistently as we’d like. I’m also reminded that our “neighbors” are not only those that seem to have physical needs but also those that have great spiritual needs that manifest themselves in gross sin. A few years ago we had some meth dealers living behind us and we, with six children, were very concerned. On Thanksgiving week, one of our children suggested that we bring them some groceries that they too might have a Thanksgiving! We did and you should’ve seen the bewildered look on their face when we dropped off the bag of groceries.
I was blessed by this story. My mother was a feisty old lady, and my husband and I were convicted by a sermon by Alastair Begg, about taking care of our parents in their old age. None of my siblings wanted to take her in because she was a real high maintenance woman, with alcoholism and other issues. We took her in, expecting to take care of all her needs as she was entering the beginning phases of dementia. She died unexpectedly seven or so months later. When I read testimonies like this, I am reminded of my mother. I am thankful she lived with us before she died, and I hope that God opens another door to bless an elderly person. I still see her in various stories, and in elderly people out and about.
OK, I’ll play the devil’s advocate and I will sincerely welcome any constructive criticism regarding my point of view here.
I was enjoying the story until I got to the point where she has a couple of sons who live in the area and they seem to be well-to-do.
I don’t believe it is charitable to do something for someone when they have capable family members who should be doing the the work. If she is at odds with her sons she now has ammunition to throw in their faces, “The nice young man down the street comes and shovels my drive because you are too sorry to care for your mother.”
I would find their addresses and send them a bill.
I understand that this sounds “mean spirited” and insensitive. I also understand that the Bible says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and man is to care for the widows and orphans in their distress.” I don’t believe snow is what is meant by “distress”. I believe the term “distress” refers to the time of adjustment immediately following the death of the husband and father.
I’m not trying to pick an argument with you or anyone else. This is my belief and if I’m wrong then I will be glad to be set straight.
Just curious Tim—With all this interaction, have you had the chance to share the Gospel with this “nuisance”?
I thought only emergents did this sort of “incarnational” ministry. I’m sure I read that in a Dan Kimball book somewhere. Thanks Tim, for dispelling the myth (lie?) of the navel-gazing reformed evangelicals!
Tim, although I find your comment valid, this is my own view.
Distress would refer to any difficult situation that seem beyond one’s capacity. In the case of old Elizabeth, not only was the task beyond her strength, no one - not even her children, bothered to help her. It’s as though she had no family at all.
Thank God for people like Tim. You’re blessed to be a blessing!
Tim in comment #28,
Interesting point. I’m not going to necessarily affirm or negate your idea, but I will add that Paul seems to have something along these lines in mind in 1 Timothy 5:3-10. Perhaps assisting a widow such as this who has living, able-bodied children removes opportunity from them to fulfill the mandate to them to care for those in their household.
Great post Tim, and a great reminder of neighbor-love! My only reservation while reading it was this nagging thought that kept coming to me, “What if one of Elizabeth’s relatives, associates, or other neighbors reads this and informs her that her helpful neighbor has clearly and very openly labeled her a ‘public nuisance’ on his blog for all to see?” How will she respond?
That’s great! What a blessed day you had!
Thanks for this great post. It fit so well with my devotional about bearing each other’s burdens. But your part about our heart attitude is the MAIN POINT! And who is our neighbor, really? Certainly we are called to love and serve those who live near us. And heavy snowfall is a great opportunity! I am reminded of one of my real-life heros, Fred Rogers, who used to say, “Your neighbor is anyone you happen to be with at the moment.” Isn’t that such a Christ-like attitude? :-)
I understand that this sounds “mean spirited” and insensitive. I also understand that the Bible says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and man is to care for the widows and orphans in their distress.” I don’t believe snow is what is meant by “distress”. I believe the term “distress” refers to the time of adjustment immediately following the death of the husband and father.
I think we are just called to serve and to let God work out the rest. The fact that she has well-to-do sons who live nearby just ads to the tragedy of the story, I think. So I think we just need to let God deal with that while we do what we can to serve.
Love that boy!
Perhaps you’re right and I’m too suspicious and critical.
I remember a seminary professor teaching from the pastorals who said there are:
Widows indeedWidows in needandWidows in greed
While you give your alms through this service, do not let your left hand blog what your right hand doeth.
What a great post Tim!
Uh…25cm more tonight and tomorrow. Your wife is probably impressed with your arms.
Any thoughts on comment #33? I’m not sure…
You gave your son the most valuable birthday present - teaching him the Lord’s ways of serving others is much more important and long lasting than “new toys and games to play with and Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii demanding his attention”! Thanks for the encouragement.