I ALWAYS lock my car. I am the one who nags my husband to lock his car. But- apparently- I messed up. Big time. I know what happened. The other night- on my way home from Target- The sunset was SPECTACULAR. ( you can see the pics if you scroll down) I ran into the house- grabbed the kids -they know i'm crazy- and the camera and ran upstairs to watch it together. In the commotion, I must have forgot to lock the truck.
Yesterday- when I went out to my car to go pick up groceries- I noticed my husband's Tom-Tom- (His Christmas gift from last year) was GONE. It had been on the dash board the night before. Stolen.
It's just a "thing" but it made me so angry. DH called the police- they will be by tonight to make a report. But- the bottom line? It's gone. Something special I bought for my hubby (who is hard to buy for like any man) is toast. I was (ok- I still AM) furious.
The anger- I expected. What I didn't expect- was the fear I felt later last night. I felt vulnerable. Afraid. Like maybe our neighborhood isn't as "safe" as I thought. I checked and double checked the window and door locks before bed. I turned on every light- inside and out.
This morning, I realized some people live in fear like this all the time. Their neighborhoods aren't safe. It isn't just an ocassional thing. It isn't just "stuff" being stolen, but real violations. real hurts. I can't imagine how hard that would be.
This morning- I'm calmer. I managed to pray for the person who stole the tom-tom. I keep thinking "what a dumb thing to do- what a dumb thing to be imprisoned for". In all probability it's a kid who wanted to make a few quick bucks. Totally not worth being arrested for. The police said there have been a few other cars broken into, other stuff stolen. Who ever is doing this- has done it more than once. Eventually, they will be caught.
I hope they stop. I hope they get some help. I hope they find out their life and freedom is worth so much more than "stuff." I hope they realize they are hurting people.
The tom- tom can be replaced. (besides- now I know what to buy him for Christmas this year). But freedom, lost can't be.
I feel so bad for this person- and for those who live in crime ridden areas.... will you pray for them with me?
"Dear Jesus- you know I am angry. I am hurt. But- God- this is just a thing- so totally not as valuable as the person who stole it. I pray that they'd learn their value in your eyes. That they wouldn't squander their life and freedom over "stuff". Lord- I pray that I wouldn't either. I may not steal, but God- you know the truth is I spend too much time worrying about, taking care of and cleaning- stuff. I guess I'm as guilty as anybody of wasting my life on stuff.Help me to value people more than things- the way that you do. Jesus- I ask you to be with those who live with crime on a constant basis. I pray for them to have courage, and for protection. I pray for the police pfficers who confront crimes big and small, that you'd be with them and protect them, adn give them wisdom and courage. And- Lord- it would be nice if the police could get the stupid tom-tom back... I love you Lord- amen"
