You Give and Take Away

Locking the door to my truck this afternoon, I began walking towards the entrance to the Canyon Park, Fred Meyer store. I asked our daughter, Alicia, “Did you lock your door?” “No,” she replied “Would you like me to?”

Hesitating for a moment I answered, “No. I don’t think it will be a problem.” We hastily made our way into the store to purchase a few essentials. There in the front of the truck we had left a bag from Walgreens. In the bag were a few things we had purchased there for the upcoming mission trip to Mexico, along with a couple digital photos, a CD containing our digital photos from Christmas, and my new digital camera (I had brought the camera along).

After completing our shopping in Fred Meyer, we returned to my truck and set the groceries in the back. The moment we sat down we began frantically looking for the Walgreens bag…but it was gone. We were both stunned, shocked, frantic and rather upset. After realizing the bag was gone, I began scanning the parking lot looking for anyone suspicious. We walked around debating whether or not we should report the loss to the store. During that discussion a rough looking person drove by us laughing and yelling out their window at us to smile – “It’s a sunny day!” – they ranted. It was an awkward moment – their comment and their laugh was unnatural and just made the situation all the more uncomfortable. I immediately wondered whether this person was happy about the sun, or the possibility that they had just realized they had scored big with my little bag from Walgreen’s containing one of my favorite possessions. Perhaps they were the thief, but how could we know?

I had had the camera for about three weeks. I was really excited about it. It was a Casio ultra slim EX-S500 – the ideal camera for missions trips and hiking. I had carefully selected it, along with a good case and a 512 MB memory card. I had picked it up at Costco when I returned another camera of mine that had stopped working. I use that camera almost every day. My anger still hasn’t completely subsided.

I cannot just go out and buy a new one. This week our kids are going on mission a trip to Mexico and we’re saving every penny we can. It will be a while before I replace this camera.

In the back of my mind a voice is helping my perspective change. It is echoing the familiar words found in Luke 6:29: “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.”

It’s tough to do this when you feel “ripped off”, but I honestly am getting over this one (with the Lord’s help). I’m praying about it, and gaining a better perspective.

I’ve been thinking about everyone I know who has recently been ripped off – one friend had his car stolen. Another was in an accident. Someone else had their house broken into. These things happen a lot. Insurance never really covers the costs. You’ve been there before.

I found some additional hope knowing that my business card was in that camera case. A card boldly showing the service times to Eastside Foursquare Church. A card identifying the owner of the camera as being a Pastor (maybe my title would inspire guilt!). The address to the church was on the card in case they developed a conscience. I prayed that this information would serve as a reminder to the thief that what they did was wrong -- That their life is heading quickly down a dead end street and needs to change.

That’s about all you can do in moments like this. Jesus’ words serve as reminder to not let the loss of material possessions cut too deeply. I can do without my camera. But I cannot do without His peace. So I’m seeking peace over this little incident. This is a great way to remember to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21)