Thank You, Mr. Stealer

On Friday the 13th, I arrived home to see that you had stopped by. Sure, it was unannounced and unexpected. Your entry into my home was so brazen, that even today; I am amazed that you and your friends would kick in my front door in broad daylight. Yes, I do know that I have a nice home with nice things. You see, I work long hours, and sometimes on weekends, to make my home comfortable and enjoyable for my family and I.

My first reactions were anger, frustration and fear. I cursed you for every inch of your life and grumbled over the fact that my “stuff” was missing. All this before I had even entered the house. But in the midst of my tirade, I realized that my young son was looking at me and my response to your deeds. I quickly realized that I needed to thank God- regardless of what I was feeling. So in a heart felt prayer, I thanked Him for allowing my home to be empty when you stopped by. Philippians 4:6 (KJV) says "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

I called the police, my family and a few friends. Within 15 minutes, we had entered the home to see what you had done. I was unable to get my thoughts together because I was shocked that this had happened. My family took over and guided me through this. When Office Meade arrived, he was professional and seemed to understand that I was disheveled. During his encounter at my home, he told us that several people in the area had been burglarized that same day. Almost by instinct, I closed my eyes to say a silent prayer for my neighbors for their loss and heard my aunt’s voice praying out loud for them, Officer Meade and even you. When I talked to an out of town friend to tell him about the events, he prayed for you, too. Can you imagine that, Mr. Stealer, in the midst of it all, somebody was praying for YOU.

Later that night, I lay in bed thanking God that we had been protected. As tears rolled down my face, I thought of what could have happened if someone would have been there. You could have come in the middle of the night or when my family was within, but on this day, you had my house all to yourself. And you probably don’t realize it, but one of the lives that you spared that day may have been your own. So I thank you Mr. Stealer. I thank you for taking my appliances and things. I didn’t realize it then but those worldly things were thieves in it self. The time that my family and I spent on the net and watching TV stole precious time away from each other but most importantly, they stole time away from God. Without the computer and television to distract us, we have time to talk and play games. You see, you didn't break us, you made us stronger. I believe it was Joss Stone that coined the phrase "Bruised but not Broken". I've lived this life for many years and I know that bruises heal.

In my initial state of despair, I wished you death and total destruction. I know that ain’t God, but you took stuff that I worked for and enjoyed immensely. Yeah, I have insurance to repair the damage and replace the goods that you stole. Yeah, my neighbors and I will be more vigilant about our surroundings. But most importantly, the prayers of my family and friends for you have restored my faith that God is still good- despite what we see. You see, Mr. Stealer, I happen know that “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28 (NIV). And I happen to love me some God. And because you came into our lives, we see another example of just how good God is. How amazing is that!

2/14/09