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(Not So Grand) Theft Auto

2/3/2014

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Someone broke into my car last night or early this morning. I don’t know how they did it, because the window was not broken, and the door did not show a lot of scratches.

There is a “change” drawer in the dash, where I put coins. It was full, and now is empty. Not much money, I guess. Maybe eight or ten dollars. But they pulled the drawer, as if trying to get it to come loose from the dash, and pulled the panel it was connected to off. That’s okay, I was able to snap it back on. My car is basically snapped together like some incredible Lego machine.

They stole my phone charger. It was one of those that let me broadcast my phone over the car radio, so it was worth about $80. They also went through the storage area under the arm rest between the front seats. Took things like a pocket knife, lip balm, and my prescription sunglasses. That was the most valuable thing stolen, $300 for those puppies! They opened up the compartment where I keep a few music cds, but all of them were there. I guess they don’t like my music. All in all, about $400 worth of stuff taken from my front yard.

I mentioned it to someone today, and they said, “Well, be thankful that was all they stole. They could have damaged the car or stolen it.” While I am not going to excuse someone for being a thief, by rationalizing the little bit of theft they did, I am grateful. Not for what they did not steal, but for what they could not steal.

I have an incredible, growing relationship with Jesus. He is showing me new things every day, and opening my life and heart in new ways. No one can take that.

I have a loving wife, who seems to fit me more (and I hope I do the same for her) as time goes by. There is a love there that no one can steal.

I belong to a church that reaches out to people on the streets here in Florence and stretches its arms around the world. That thrills me to be a part of a family like that. No one can take that away.

I’ve got a family who loves me and cares for me, crazy as we all are, and who always will. No one can steal that.

I’ve been able to help some folks in need, and I’ve seen good things come from that. No one can take that away.

I’m bold to quote Jesus here- “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

I’m thankful for the gifts I have that no one can steal.


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Highland Park United Methodist Church / 1300 Second Loop Rd. / Florence, SC 29505 / Phone: 843.662.1233 / Fax: 843.665.5692