A few nights ago I was with a group of women, most of whom are attached - either married or living with a boyfriend. They got on the topic of what they do to feel safe when their significant other is out of town. One suggested keeping a brick by their bed. Really? Does that seem like a good idea? Another suggested a power drill plugged in by the bed. I kind of liked that one. There's nothing in the drill, mind you. Her theory is that the sound would startle any intruder into making a run for it.
But the truth is, the entire conversation took me by surprise because I've lived alone so long that the possibility of someone breaking in while I'm asleep rarely crosses my mind. Once or twice a month in cold months, when I don't have the white noise of a fan running all night, I'll wake up to the sound of police helicopters scouting the neighborhood. Even then, while it crosses my mind that someone could break in somewhere, I don't worry much about myself. I usually say a prayer for safety for everyone in my neighborhood, and go back to sleep. But that fan isn't off more than 4 months out of the year. The other 8 months someone could come in and pack up my whole house and I'd have a good chance of sleeping through it.
It wasn't always that way. When I was younger, I worried more. I'm not sure when that stopped, but I know it was after I began to let my faith become real. For years I'd pray for safety for myself each night before I went to sleep, but as I've gotten older, I guess I've learned to trust God more and more. I fully understand that there is evil in the world and that bad things can happen to any of us at any time, but I know that whatever happens, He will be there for me. Life is too short to be afraid to sleep alone in your own house.
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7
Good post - I am fearful a lot when I am alone - especially outside in the dark! Thankfully, I have an alarm system in the apartment (and now Mark) and the alarm really helps me feel safer. I don't know if a drill is that good of an idea.... it's sounds similar to a hair dryer! ha!
ReplyDelete~Kathryn
Thanks, Kathryn. You never want to use anything that could be used as a weapon against you! Now, outside in the dark, caution and being aware of your surroundings is always a good thing!
ReplyDeleteMargaret....why have we only talked jewelry before? A waste of one year? I hope not! I have to admit I was the "drill girl" here 20 years ago.....and yes, it does sound so screamingly silly to have placed my faith in a drill (although it had a great vroom vroom!). Thank you God for showing me over the years...in whom my trust lies......YOU and you alone. And thanks for providing me with the drill when I couldnt see any further! You know we didn't know how to use it as a tool!
ReplyDeletelove you Marge.
Cori - I really thought the drill was hysterical. It might even work!
ReplyDeletei loved this!!!!
ReplyDeleteA drill, huh...sounds like a great idea!! I have an antique laundry thing- kind of like an iron without heat that is long like a baseball bat...that I keep beside the door.
ReplyDelete