This week marks the third time my car has been broken into since I moved to Southern California. The first time, someone stole my roof rack for my bicycle. The second time, all they got were some kitchen appliances that were in my trunk while I was moving to a new apartment and a pretty sweet typewriter. This week, they tried to take my radio. I didn’t notice that it had happened for a few days. At first, I just noticed that it felt strange - the knobs felt further back than before. Was my mind playing tricks on me? Then, this morning, I saw that some screws were missing and the radio had started to fall back into the dash. 

What is interesting is that I didn’t care too much once I realized what had happened. If anything, I am reminded that the stuff we have here is just that - stuff. Now I’m no saint that is completely detached from all things. I definitely have some things that I would have a tough time parting with. However, this “third time’s a charm” moment of attempted theft reminded that things aren’t that important. Instead, what is important is loving my city and the broken people that live in it. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the poor, the city, and the Incarnation. I’m feeling a pull to spend time in the “dirt,” being with, loving, and learning from those in the forgotten places. 

So, I guess I can say that I’m glad my radio is still here, but thankful that someone tried to steal it. It led me to pray for them and my own selfishness and lack of willingness to make sacrifices for the good of others. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll get to meet.

Just stumbled across these fine folks - Bicycle Coffee Company.

They roast their own beans and deliver fair trade coffee to San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley. Pretty cool concept and story. I’m headed to San Francisco this weekend, so maybe I will see them out and about!

Check out their website here.