10/30/16–My work computer was stolen this week. It was a good week, as I learned better judgment in a few areas.
First, no garage is safe when it’s a public garage. I had walked by a sign countless times which said, “remember to lock your car.” I, instead, always “remembered” that keeping my keys inside my car with the door unlocked was more convenient than risky. Further, I figured there’s some spiritual benefit to living like people are generally trustworthy. Turns out I was wrong; now I lock my car (though Mr. Money Moustache may disagree).
Second, I learned how valuable cloud storage can become. Actually, I probably haven’t yet learned its true value potential, yet, but what I had in the cloud includes info and docs I’d have regretted losing. But those are mostly from my personal laptop, which was also stolen with my work laptop. This is the type of experience which makes bad judgment into good, and makes me more effective as a mentor.
One final realization happened the moment I realized I had been robbed. I had opened my trunk upon arriving to meet a friend and noticed instantly what had happened. Right then, my familiarity with and practice of Christian and stoic teaching were put to the test. The person I was with mentioned my calm and positivism (probably more appropriate to say “contentment”). He and several others explained how upset they’d be if that were them, and were struck by my different reaction, or lack of one. What’s weird is that I know it’s possible to remain calm with conscious effort in these moments, but mine was unconscious and reflexive. Through no decision of my own, I behaved in line with how I’d hoped and trained based on Christian selflessness (considering the thief’s pain), gratitude, and disdain for material goods. This test, of course, pales in comparison to serious hardship, but I can’t help but appreciate the verification of what I’d studied and how it manifest as this type of response.
QOTW–“Thoughts–>words–>actions–>habits–>character–>destiny.” Jake (Ghandi)
?FNW–How do I recover digitally? Cloud storage!