The Lighthouse Is Gone

Those who know me know I love lighthouses. Not only is my living room decorated with lighthouses and nautical items, but I also have a 3-foot solar-powered lighthouse in my front yard. Well, I should say I DID have! Last week, it was stolen from my yard around noon by a 20-something year-old lady in a gray Mustang. My neighbor, who had been putting up Halloween decorations in his yard, witnessed the whole thing. He shouted out to her, asking what she was doing. She told him that I sold the lighthouse to her. He didn't believe that lie and wrote down her description and a partial license plate number. I called the Police when I got home, but they said it would be almost impossible to locate the thief with only a partial plate. The officer told me that he has been patrolling my neighborhood for a couple years and remembers seeing the lighthouse in my yard. It only cost me about 50 bucks, but it was special to me. And now it is gone.

I can not begin to tell you how violated I feel. What has happened to our society? Whatever happened to "do unto others?" I don't know who the thief is, but I have at least begun to forgive her. But it got me to thinking about all the times I have "stolen" from God. I wonder, each time I sin, does He feel violated like I do about my lighthouse? When I do the things opposite from His teaching, does He feel pain? Does He continue to feel those long, rusty nails in His wrists each time I don't "do unto others?" I know I can't be perfect and live a sin-free life, but I also know I could sin less if I would depend on His strength more than what I do. Oh lord, please forgive me. You are my true Lighthouse, and I don't want to ever "steal" from you again. You know, maybe it took a thief for God to show me that I am not much better.

Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Father, please forgive the lady who stole my lighthouse. And please forgive me for "stealing" from You. In Jesus name, Amen.