Feeling a Bit Down

[MrMoe]

On monday my bag was stolen at work. It had my vitamins for my headaches and a few other things, like a water bottle, phone recharger and some earphones. Nothing valuable was taken. Everything is easily replacable, yet I still hope that maybe I'll get it bag somehow. I'm the very sentimental type, I've been this way since I was little. I get very attached to things that belong to me, so when I lose something I really feel it. My mood has dropped since that day.
Maybe this is one of my flaws, I get too sentimental and attached to things. Jesus said not to store treasures on earth. My mom says to forget it since there's nothing I can do and she's probably right. Some prayers or words of wisdom would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Brotherly Spirit]

Both Jesus and your mom are correct, listen to them and take it to heart. You'll continue to live without what was loss and eventually move on. So don't let it keep you down, have a positive attitude for the better and focus on things that matter. Something we all need to do from time to time. Thankfully it was material things stolen, even if it's a personal loss; it's nothing compared to losing your a loved one for example. Prayers to you it's found if possible, if not you can find it in you to continue with your life.

 

[frater_domus]

Though not connected with material loss, I had a similar situation. I do archery. Soon, I will have to move somewhere different, depending on which university would have me. I had fears that I would move to an university, where I could not pursue my hobby. The loss of it would kill me, I thought. The issue was that I tried to define my identity through a hobby, forgetting that my identity is in Christ.
Now, your matter is a bit more trivial than that, but it all arises because of the same issue: attachment to material things. Matthew 6:19-20 says it very well. All our things here on earth will vanish sooner or later. I do not say that we should not be careful with our things or that we should be indifferent. Not at all. Instead, we should learn to let go.

Here's what I do in these situations. Maybe it'll help. I stopped looking at things as material items, but instead try to see a meaning in everything. For example, I do not see archery as a delivery of a pointy end into a target, but instead as a means to build patience and dilligence, traits of eternal value. I do try not to see my belongings as items of value, but instead as a task given to me to show care and attention to those items in preparation to larger, more important tasks of stewardship, just as a servant would handle his masters less important items before moving on to handling the household. This diverts my view from the items and activities in question and moves it toward godly things.

In your situation, I'd give thanks to God for bringing your attention to this matter with a rather trivial loss, so that you can be prepared for a bigger challenge later down the line

 

[Antig]

Focus on the joy those items may bring someone else. Make it feel like a donation from you!

 

[ReesePiece23]

I was standing on the platform waiting for a train - about or month or two ago now? And this guy comes up and asks for my lighter. I thought nothing of it, it's a common request. Then, he turned quite nasty and refused to give it back. He then got right up in my face and asked what else I had. I can't repeat exactly what I said back to him on here, but I pretty told him to get lost.

He squared up to me, and as I looked into his bloodshot eyes, it became apparent that this man was DESPERATE for anything at all that he could take and sell to feed a habit of his. I stood my ground though, and insisted that he gave my lighter back (it was a matter of principal at this stage.)

He then became agitated and defensive, and clung onto my lighter for dear life. He kept rambling "leave me alone man." And when more people got involved, he took off down the stairs and left the station.

The only thing I said was "my dad gave me that lighter" - because like you, I'm sentimental. I've kept things that people have given me on my travels, even if they're just sticks of gum.

But, I just had to tell myself, how desperate must this guy have been to cling onto something like this? And likewise, how desperate must your guy have been to even BOTHER taking a bag with virtually nothing in it. Then, you just have to remind yourself of what he can't take from you, and that's the gift of eternal life (yes, I know, it's a cliche) but there is a far bigger picture here. It's just hard to see in the short term when you're annoyed.

Also, you could publish your comic strips and become a multi-millionaire - maybe even use this scenario in one of them? Rain clouds to rainbows Moe. What does this guy have? Your bag, a water bottle and a second hand phone charger. Great.

 

[ReesePiece23]

I was standing on the platform waiting for a train - about or month or two ago now? And this guy comes up and asks for my lighter. I thought nothing of it, it's a common request. Then, he turned quite nasty and refused to give it back. He then got right up in my face and asked what else I had. I can't repeat exactly what I said back to him on here, but I pretty told him to get lost.

He squared up to me, and as I looked into his bloodshot eyes, it became apparent that this man was DESPERATE for anything at all that he could take and sell to feed a habit of his. I stood my ground though, and insisted that he gave my lighter back (it was a matter of principal at this stage.)

He then became agitated and defensive, and clung onto my lighter for dear life. He kept rambling "leave me alone man." And when more people got involved, he took off down the stairs and left the station.

The only thing I said was "my dad gave me that lighter" - because like you, I'm sentimental. I've kept things that people have given me on my travels, even if they're just sticks of gum.

But, I just had to tell myself, how desperate must this guy have been to cling onto something like this? And likewise, how desperate must your guy have been to even BOTHER taking a bag with virtually nothing in it. Then, you just have to remind yourself of what he can't take from you, and that's the gift of eternal life (yes, I know, it's a cliche) but there is a far bigger picture here. It's just hard to see in the short term when you're annoyed.

Also, you could publish your comic strips and become a multi-millionaire - maybe even use this scenario in one of them? Rain clouds to rainbows Moe. What does this guy have? Your bag, a water bottle and a second hand phone charger. Great.

 

[Petros2015]

Every now and then I get some money stolen from me or something, I try to keep an attitude like "oh well, I guess someone needed this more than I did."

Happens every tax season

 

[Long Island Pilgrim]

So sorry for your loss...MrMoe.
I wonder if the loss of the material "attachment" is symbolic for some other more significant loss which may be nudging to gain your conscious awareness? Something to explore in prayer with the Holy Spirit, perhaps?

 

[dreadnought]

On monday my bag was stolen at work. It had my vitamins for my headaches and a few other things, like a water bottle, phone recharger and some earphones. Nothing valuable was taken. Everything is easily replacable, yet I still hope that maybe I'll get it bag somehow. I'm the very sentimental type, I've been this way since I was little. I get very attached to things that belong to me, so when I lose something I really feel it. My mood has dropped since that day.
Maybe this is one of my flaws, I get too sentimental and attached to things. Jesus said not to store treasures on earth. My mom says to forget it since there's nothing I can do and she's probably right. Some prayers or words of wisdom would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Like you say, it can all be replaced.

 

[Greg Merrill]

Mr. Moe knows what he needs to know it his head, may You help him to know it in his heart, his inner man, and in his experience. May we change our value system from what Esau valued to what Jacob valued, from a pot of beans to good spiritual position and blessing from You. Amen.

 

[musicalpilgrim]

I join in all the prayers above for you and ask the Lord to bless you with his presence and his peace.

 

[brinny]

I'm soooo sorry...praying for you my friend (((hug)))

 

[LoricaLady]

One way or another it is always upsetting if anyone steals from us! I am sorry that happened to you and pray for your peace of mind and protection from further such incidents.

 

[MrMoe]

Thank you everyone for the prayers and words of wisdom. I've bought a new bag, water bottle and recharger. I don't consider myself materialistic, I just get very fond of things that belong to me. This also reminded me of school when my bag was stolen a few times. I know this feeling of loss will pass. I've learned from this that I shouldn't get too attached to things and not to leave things where they can be taken.