James Barber Road Happenings – The Neighborhood Watch

Psalm 69:5 “O God, You know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from You.”

It has been an interesting experience living on a backcountry road. I love it here, and I especially love our neighbors. With only ten houses scattered along the scenic road, we have formed a tight knit group that watches out for each other.

We have had some interesting happenings here over the years – from car accidents, to house fires, to young lovers parking and watching our gorgeous sunset sink beyond the trees. And who could forget the summer Chuck the Duck made his home in the creek by the bridge.

In honor of all our shared experiences, camaraderie, and sweet friendships, I feel it my duty to inform each of you children, as well as our friends and neighbors, of a danger that lurks on our quiet street.

Though it is February the weather has been warm. The other night the clear sky, studded with brilliant stars, drew Dad and me out to take an evening walk. While Orion and the Gemini Twins lit our way, we talked and prayed together. Passing the bike path we became concerned to see a van pulled to the side of the road.

Thinking that possibly someone had mechanical trouble, was feeling sick, or needed directions, we approached to see if we could help. Upon reaching the car we noticed that the driver’s side was empty. Dad knocked on the window just to be sure – I mean, you never know, maybe the owner was looking for his cell phone, which had fallen onto the floorboards.

Suddenly, we heard a stirring coming from the back seat – surely, the cell phone had not slipped into the back of the car? The windows were tinted so we couldn’t see, but to our surprise a dark male form slithered over the seat and slid behind the wheel. We waited for him to open his window so we could offer to help him find his phone, but were shocked when the mysterious figure revved the engine and peeled out, narrowly brushing by us. Dad and I looked at each other and laughed in surprise as the California license plates sped away, thankful that we were unharmed.

I’m thinking that the occupants of this minivan had NOT lost their cell phone!

Listen up, people!!! If you need to find a quiet, country road to hide what you are doing, then you probably shouldn’t be doing it!! Even if you think that no one will find you, God knows your foolishness and your sins cannot be hidden from Him!

So, my dear children and fine neighbors, this is yet another vignette to add to the chronicles of the James Barber Road Happenings. But as part of the Neighborhood Watch I wanted to make sure you all got the warning – Watch out for parked cars on starlit nights if you value your safety!!!

Love,

Mama