2 weeks later...

Well, now that my first semester of seminary is finally over, I feel 100% free to write a rambling post...

In my last post, I shared about my laptop and TV getting stolen. In the immediate aftermath of discovering that my computer was gone (I didn't care so much about the TV), I was anxious, angry, and let loose a mouth full of obscenities. But to my surprise, my frustration quickly subsided and my concern became less about the loss of a material item, and more about the loss of important papers for school, pictures and other documents that I wouldn't be able to reproduce, and the safety of my identity (I do my bill-paying online). I think I'm finally learning to put less stock in material possessions.

I've also gained new perspective in several other areas. For starters, I no longer check my email obsessively, allowing me to focus on more important matters. Secondly, I have had to rely on the generosity of others (professors to grant me extensions to rewrite my papers and Carol's willingness to let me take over her computer from time to time). Thirdly, the whole situation has reminded me how blessed I am to even own a computer in the first place.

Additional thoughts: Some have asked me if I am angry at the person(s) who stole my computer. My answer is mixed. Yes! I am angry that someone would invade the privacy of my apartment and take my stuff. And also, no, because thievery is only a natural consequence of in living a world that is broken. More than likely, my stuff was stolen by someone out of desperation. The laptop and TV were probably sold for a few hundred dollars to put food on the table of a poor family, or to sustain a life-draining addition to drugs and alcohol. At the very least, this theft was the result of greed. In any event, the theft of my laptop is a direct result of human depravity. So here's my concluding thought: To not be affected by the the broken condition of this world means not to be in a position to bring healing to this world.

Eventually, I think I will need to purchase a new computer (If I wasn't in graduate school I'd consider going longer without one). But for the time being I'm almost enjoying the freedom of going without, trying to be more intentional about storing up treasures in heaven, as it were.