Jesus, thieves and raccoons

A number of days ago the boys and I came home from a dip at my brother's pool (while Wendy was away on a girls' getaway), and when we drove into our drive-way I noticed that several lights in our house were on. Now the combination of my obsessive compulsive nature, combined with year's of hearing my mom say 'TURN THE LIGHTS OUT WHEN YOU'RE NOT IN A ROOM!' (which still constantly echoes in my ear) ensured for me that I didn't leave them on. And then to confirm it, I saw that our back gate was wide open. And this dread came over me: 'someone's been in our house' . . . yep.

If you've been broken into and robbed before you know that feeling of violation.

Last night Wendy and I were watching tv when we heard Raccoons in our back yard (they regularly visit us . . . I'm not convinced that they weren't the ones who robbed us either - continually scoping out the house!). But it was interesting, because usually it's just one raccoon there and when I open the back french door, she slowly scampers away. This time though she had her two babies with her (not so small anymore!), and when we opened the door and Wendy and I did our best 'Raccoon Attacker' sound, she turned around and moved towards us in attack mode - making sure she was between us and her babies. Needless to say, I slammed our french door closed, and we continued to make our very aggresive 'Raccoon Attacker' sounds from behind the safety of our french doors! It's not that I'm a TOTAL coward, it's just that I'm also not a total fool.

It struck me though that when children are involved, it's a whole different story. And the words of Paul came to mind, "If God is for us [his children], who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31). It doesn't mean that bad things won't happen (like getting robbed - doh!), but as we walk with Him as his children, it does mean that as a very loving and protective Father, nothing happens that He does not allow - nothing! And my feeling of violation is replaced with confidence.

I'm learning to hold loosely (as difficult as it is) the things of this world, because God is preparing for something greater. If our thieves are reading this blog however - I wouldn't mind my stuff back when you're done with it!