Desperation

The night we returned from our honeymoon our car was broken into. Someone scaled our security wall, shattered our back window, and rifled through the car looking for cash and anything of value. We awoke that next morning to a knock on our door and our neighbor pointing us to the aftermath. 

When I went outside I was initially confused. I thought that maybe the young boy living behind us had accidentally broken it. Sadly, upon further inspection there was no doubt that it was a deliberate attempt to steal. All potential hiding spots for money were opened and emptied. Our radio buttons were broken off in attempt of removal. Our locked doors were unlocked and the doors left open. 

My first reaction was anger. For those who know me well, I usually respond this way and say things I later regret. I was upset that someone would choose to be so very selfish. That they would break our car window and then take things inside like it was their own. Let me take you to that morning. 

Enter the scene of the crime with me.......... 

Beth: (Gasp) Whaaaaaaaaat?!

Zizou: (calmly) Be careful, there is glass everywhere.

Beth: They broke the window! How did we not hear it?

Zizou: The windows on this car have a plastic on them. They know how to do it quietly.

Beth: What could possibly make someone do this? (said with biting irritation) 

Zizou: Calm down. 

Beth: What is wrong with people!? (losing all restraint to take it in stride)

Zizou: (the now voice of wisdom) Cheri, people who do these things are risking so much. They know at any moment someone could hurt them or even kill them for trespassing and stealing. They never know when it will be their last time. Don’t forget Christmas is coming, they are really in need of money.

Beth: Oh.

End scene

After listening I had to make myself return to the reality that this theft was not about me. Even though I felt like a “victim”, it wasn’t a deliberate attack on Beth. I continued thinking about it several days after the event. I was still angry, but God kept bringing one word to mind.....desperation.

Desperation: Acting with extreme measures because of hopelessness. A state of despair that leads to rash behavior. 

When I began thinking on the word desperation, God started changing my perspective. I began to recall how many times I had done things out of desperation. The list began piling up. Interestingly enough, I began recollecting how many times my acts of desperation had hurt other people. Almost every time I either hurt others or hurt myself.  It seemed that the person who broke into our car and I were not too different after all.  

What a good lesson for me.