December 14 was an anniversary of sorts for us. It wasn't one I wanted to celebrate, nor one I particularly was thrilled about remembering. It was the date that someone broke into our Chicago apartment (again) and stole the Christmas presents we'd lovingly chosen, bought, and wrapped, as well as any electronic item they could find (computers, monitors, iPod, etc.). It was also the break-in that made me feel unsettled in our home. After that I peeked around our front door with trepidation every time we came home. That event is one of the reasons we began seriously talking about moving.
I am again in the throes of wrapping and the memories of the last time I did this keep coming back. Yesterday I asked Nate why we didn't have as much wrapping paper...then remembered we wrapped several presents twice last year. Oh, yes. That's right. (Another burglary anniversary occurs on Dec 21, but that one didn't faze me as much for some reason. More on that at a later date.)
I was not expecting the flood of memories of fear and uncertainty that came with the anniversary. It wasn't the stealing of our things that raised fear, though that was disappointing; it was the attack on perceived safety and security. Even the extra locks and 2x4's the landlord installed didn't relieve the fear-grip that had been raised.
It was a good time to put into practice what we'd been learning in our seminary class about resting in God in spite of your circumstances. We were able to worship God and worship Him regardless of the intrusion and the chaotic state of our home. It was also a good reminder that we shouldn't hold too tightly to "our" possessions, to remember that nothing we own is actually ours, but God's to use however He wants, even if that means it is taken from us. It was a reminder that this world isn't a home to get too comfortable in, even if the things that make us comfortable are good things. And it was another lesson to hold our possessions in an open hand. I pray we can continue to remember these things and not be selfish with "our" stuff. And to use what we have for God's glory and purposes.
tm
