Yesterday John and I watched a slip of paper slide through the space between our door and the jam. It was a notice from the apartment management stating that there had been a complaint of domestic disturbance and arguing coming from our apartment.
I felt terrible.
Not because we are guilty (John and I have NEVER raised our voices toward each other {that is, unless you count "watch out!"} and I never use absolutes unless they are absolutely true. Ever) but because they felt that they had to complain about us.
I don't think that anyone has ever done that about me (to my knowledge, except for siblings). And now that it has happened, it really hurts.
I now know the wisdom behind the "go first to the one who offends you" instruction in the Bible. There is no way for us to apologize or try to make our wrong right (or even know our wrong) with our neighbors. Except pray for them.
So today I have been praying that we would be a blessing to them during the rest of the time we are their neighbors, that we would be light to them.
Have any of you experienced this? Do you have any wisdom to offer?
updating!
11 years ago
5 comments:
Did it have your names on it? Maybe it was delivered to the wrong apartment and they put the wrong apt # on it.
Actually, it's strange also that if it's from management that it wouldn't go in your mailbox? rather than under the door?
two very good comments. It also wouldn't hurt to talk to management...find out if was meant for you & if notes under doors is their protocol. Speaking from experience, getting to know "the management" can be a blessing to you & to them (since they can find out what kind people you really are.) Hope you find insight into this strange happening.
this is strange, and an opportunity for you and John to rise to the top and do the right thing, as we know you will. My first guess is that it was intended for someone else. If not, was it a form that had a box checked on it? Maybe someone heard Emma crying? Or maybe someone heard something on an action movie? The walls are so thin....It is unnerving to receive news in this manner--and not at all biblical, as you aptly pointed out. We'll pray for you to be settled and at peace about it.
I remember when I lived on the mission field, everyone knew so much about everyone else because no one had windows on their houses, only screens! Oh the trials and opportunities of living in a community!
this is hard, Lizzi, it's always painful to be falsely accused. I'm reminded of the truth of 1 Peter 2:19-24. . .and Jesus is our example, He committed no sin-while being reviled, He did not revile in return, He uttered no threats but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. And according to Romans 12, we're called to overcome evil with good-and so you are, as you pray for your neighbors. blessings
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