Aiding and Abetting Thieves {Day 10}

I am thinking tonight about my heart… and thieves.

Consider several translations of one of my favorite Bible verses - John 10.10:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. NIV

A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. The Message

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it ^[b]overflows). Amplified

Full…more than they ever dreamed of…abundance…

I have thieves in my life.

Most of them live in my head.

For a number of weeks, my Pittsburgh Pirates have been providing pleasant diversion. Haunting thoughts have been easier to keep at bay. By that, I mostly mean thoughts about the financial litigation I am enduring. It is scary, and many days, it is a thief.

My Bucs lost last night. The diversion is gone.

My first thought this morning was of the litigation.

Thief.

Sometimes I get caught up thinking about things in my life that are difficult right now.

That is not unreasonable…but sometimes it is a thief.

So, here it is …11:15 PM and I am writing today’s blog post.

Now my sleep is being stolen.

Another thief.

The greatest loss, however, is when I allow my joy to be stolen.

The litigation, my accident, other life events…stealing my joy. My JOY!!!

I watch the thief.

Sometimes, I aid and abet.

Then I remember I have a choice.

I can order my days better (just bought a book about that!)

I can trust in the plan even when the process is difficult and painful.

I can refuse to allow ANYTHING to steal my joy. I can have and enjoy my life.

How about you?

How are your choices working?

A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of!

Think about it…

We will talk again tomorrow…

BP

I’m participating with The Nester in 31 Days of Examining My Heart.

This is Day 10.

You can find all 31 Dayers here. There are so many wonderful topics.

If you miss any days in the series, you can find the introduction and each day's post here.

Beth Painter is a writer and motivational speaker. You can follow her on Facebook on the “Think Big focus small” page.

Beth is available to speak to your group about how to make your dreams and desires come to life!