Thoughts from a Child's Mind

So, my beloved 1991 Toyota Camry was stolen outside my apartment complex this last week. 

Stolen. gone. not present. and yes, locked. I was actually surprised during the aftermath to realize how unnerving and violating it is to have someone take something from you that you thought was safe. 

After watching the surveillance video 7 or 8 times (thanks for nothing security camera) and watching with such chilling ease how the thief strolled over to my car and got in and drove away in under 15 seconds - believe me, I counted - it sort of breaks all trust in one's sense of security in this world. 

I even had nightmares the next two nights of the people coming back for more or me finding my car only to have it stolen again. Silly and childish? I'm sure. Have I even mentioned that growing up is hard? 

The police told me that if the car wasn't found in the first 48 hours, there was almost no chance that it would be found again. Well, it has been 123 hours and 58 minutes and still no sign of any hope of its return on the horizon. 

My first thought when I realized my bereft state was "Oh God, please no. I need my car, how will I get to work tomorrow?" However, as time went on, the LORD has given me perspective. I am grieved, there is no doubting. I loved my car, and there were items in it that I will never get back, or be able to replace the memories I've had in it. 

But 

God, who is rich in mercy has given me hope. 

Two things that I realized how blessed I was this week in having car stolen were:

Firstly, however disappointing it was to spend the same amount of money as a plane ticket home to Texas as to rent transportation for the next week a half, and have to be burdened with the worry about trying to find a new car, I am grateful that I the LORD has given me a stable enough job to have the resources to do so - or at least not end up hopelessly in debt. 

Secondly, it reminded me how transient this life is and how quickly the LORD can give and take away.  

There have been a few verses that I've been meditating on that have really helped to bring me joy and comfort this week. Namely:

"I will bless the LORD at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD, let the humble hear and be glad! O magnify the LORD with me, let us exalt his name together!" - Psalm 34:1-3 

As unforeseen and grievous as having my car stolen seems, I want to continue to remind myself of God's sovereignty and bless the LORD in the good times and the bad.