stolen

Just a couple days ago we were having a conversation with the family about having something stolen 

I've had a couple things of mine stolen in my life, my first experience was my camera

I'd just returned from my study abroad and two days later my camera was stolen

I hadn't uploaded my pictures yet, which was the worse part someone not only had my camera but 

200+ memories that could never be replaced. 

A couple of years ago Sam's bike was stolen off campus 

he'd been studying for a organic chemistry final for a few hours and packed up at about 1130 PM

he went to hop on his bike and it was gone

cable cut and nothing left 

One time I drove my parents fancy car to teach a class at the U and thought I'd locked it 

it's so fancy schmancy I didn't realize I hadn't locked it 

someone walking by must have noticed and stole an iPod and my tithing money 

which both had been stashed away in the center console

the worse part of that was feeling completely violated

someone that I didn't know was rummaging through the car when I wasn't around 

Well unfortunately we have a new stolen item to add to the list 

sunday morning we left our house early for a church meeting at 7AM 

Sam 'couldn't find our car' because our bike rack was stolen

someone in the middle of the night decided to maneuver our rack off the top of our car 

I should add that the rack is locked onto the car and it had to have taken some skill to get it off

we are extremely grateful no real damage was done to the car 

but again I have that violation feeling 

someone was touching my stuff 

needless to say we can't wait to have a locked garage in a couple weeks 

Seriously though... 

I almost feel more sad for the person stealing things than for the victim

how sad that someone is so desperate that they take other peoples things

they have no self worth, or self integrity. 

I've always been taught when faced with a temptation ask myself

'is it worth my integrity' 

the answer is always no.