robbed

****  Update:  Apparently, the boys rode their Ripstiks up to the bus stop this AM and hid them in the bushes for their ride home.  Unbelievable.  These boys are aging me, for sure!

According to Websters 1928 Dictionary:
ROB'BED, pp. Deprived feloniously and by violence; plundered; seized and carried away by violence.

Not sure if there was any violence involved in taking our boys Rip Stiks (fancy pants modern skate boards) off our porch in the dark of the night, but the boys were definitely deprived of the joy in riding them each day, every day.  The police think it was probably city kids coming out to the burbs taking what they can for the thrill and desire of it all. 

The whole situation is sad.  Sad that kids are being raised without values and principles.

So yet again, I find myself faced with adversity in my situation.  Who I am going to honor?  Me and my flesh?  Yes, that would feel good and did for a moment when I first discovered the missing Rip Stiks.  But I know better.  I'd be violating the one who came to die and save me.  Jesus.  I'm no better than the thieves if I murder in my own heart.  So I pray and ask God to take my anger, my injustice, my frustrating over adapting to a new area and throw it into the ocean.  Take my heart of stone, oh God, and give me a heart of flesh.  One that loves and shows mercy to the unlovable.  One that forgives easily and extends grace to the offender.

Here is where the boys' Ripstiks used to reside.

I must tell them when they come home from school.  I pray my attitude is honoring and I'm able to lead them into forgiveness of their enemies.  Please pray with me and for me, won't you.  Thanks.