When Your Airbnb Neighbors Decide They're Disney Princesses

The joys of living next-door

Top three "joys" of living next-door to an Airbnb?

1. The constant parade of new faces (because who needs routine?).

2. The unexpected morning wake-up calls when someone can't figure out how to get into their rental.

3. Those sweet moments when the guests decide your front yard is now a communal space (sharing is caring, right?).

Now, let’s get into my tale of the temporary neighbors that brought a pinch of pixie dust into our lives.

Last week, a family checked into the Airbnb next door, complete with the most energetic and curious munchkins I've ever seen. Before I knew it, they'd taken a particular interest in my doorstep. I think it probably wasn’t just the doorsteps but the four fluffy guardians just beyond it who wanted to lick their faces. Every day the doorbell rang, and there they were, with their eyes wide and confidently saying, “Bring out your dogs?” It was like they'd never seen dogs before, or maybe mine are just that irresistible. They would ask for each dog one by one. And each dog would come out and share some love before they were told, by the kids, to go back in and let another dog out. It was quite the ordeal.

Now, to add to this routine, these kids evidently believed that fairy garden in my front yard needed remodeling. It’s possible they were secretly training to be architects but, more likely, imagined themselves as Disney characters, living in a fairy village and looking for wood nymphs.

Initially, I'll admit, I let out a sigh every time the doorbell rang or when I’d find a freshly picked daisy on my porch. But then, as I looked into their innocent eyes and heard their giggles, a thought struck me: What if this was a call to embrace these fleeting moments of childlike confidence and joy with love and joy of my own?

I could've chosen to be the grumpy neighbor, shaking my fist and shouting, "Stay off my lawn!" But that’s just not me, is it? I saw this as an opportunity to shower some love on my new “Disney Princess" neighbors.

Through these little encounters, I realized something profound. Sometimes, God sends us challenges wrapped in tiny, flower picking, garden stomping packages to remind us of the importance of people over stuff.

So, the next time you face a situation that tests your patience, and your garden, remember to look for the silver lining. It might just be an opportunity to spread love in unexpected ways.

P.S. To all future Airbnb guests next door, the dogs send their love, but maybe leave the flowers where they are and let the fairies be. 😉

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