Just Another Normal Sat...or so I Thought!

I was sitting at my computer during conference sessions and heard a knock at my front door. I was tempted not to answer it and just keep my lazy self in the chair. Something told me I should answer the door. Since I'm home alone, I looked out the window first. To my amazement there were 3 cop cars surrounding my house! I opened the door and my neighbor, Don, from across the street was there. He was out of breath and couldn't speak well, but this is what I heard, "There is a kid in a black stocking cap going around breaking into cars. These guys (the cops) are out looking for him. I just saw him jump into your back yard!"

I could feel the fear and panic begin to creep in. I said, "Thanks Don, I'll go lock my back door." My back door wasn't even locked. I always keep the front locked, but the kids go in and out so much I gave up trying to patrol the back door.

I ran to the door, pulled down the charlie bar, and peeked out the curtains. I wanted to make sure he was not still back there. I was a little jumpy! I was startled by an officer turning the corner. It was a sobering experience to see him with his weapon drawn, IN MY BACKYARD! He walked to the side of the house. I could tell he had just found the shed. I thought, "Oh, my goodness he's in our shed!" I waited to see him reappear. It seemed like forever. He took so long I couldn't watch.

I came back to the window and he was looking over the fence. Whew! He was not in the shed. He came back to the front of the house. I opened the door and could hear him talking. They believe he was jumping fences. That was somewhat of a relief to me. Chances are he's gone and will get away from here as far as possible. I'm still pretty nervous though.

We are staying put for the afternoon. I don't want to chance leaving my home empty. Grace has devised a plan to catch the "bad guy." She wants to camouflage a net and a place jewelry inside it. When they go for the jewelry we would pull the net and catch them! I believe that came from an episode of Suite Life.

How grateful I am right now for the safety and protection we received from Heavenly Father. I pray for it everyday. I think if this kid really wanted something he could have turned violent and entered my home through an open door. I'm thankful he kept on going. I hope all my other neighbors were blessed in the same manner.

I'm thankful for the opportunity it gave as a teaching lesson to my children. Ryan was "really freaking out." I let him know it is times like this we are able to pray and ask for comfort. I let him know I have done it and feel calm. It also gave me the chance to talk about keeping our doors locked and being careful of strangers.

How grateful I am for a watchful neighbor. Who despite his own safety came to my house to warn me. I thought it a little funny that it was him who knocked on my door and not the cops. I know he was aware Dustin was out of town and I was home alone. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father was watching over us and protecting us.