Wandering in the parking lot.

It is a common factor in all relationships....trust. Someone asked me the other day what I thought about losing trust in someone. I couldn't give a quick answer, but it came to me last night. Losing trust in someone or a relationship, is like losing your car in the parking lot, looking all around, you remember where you parked it, but you start questioning yourself. After walking around confused, you finally accept the fact that maybe you don't remember correctly where you parked. You continue to look for it. You even start wandering farther away from what you remember being the general area. Embarrassed, you hope no one is watching your aimless steps up and down the rows of cars. You have your keys out ready to claim your transportation out of this place as quickly as possible. You feel so desperate. So uncertain. Maybe you find your car. Maybe you realize it has been stolen. Either way, you have been caught off guard by something unexpected. I remember being in Murfreesboro one day when a man realized his SUV had been stolen. There was total shock and dismay on his face. Even as he spoke with the police officer, he continued to question if this was really happening to him. The police officer gave him info and facts. There wasn't much consolation given the fact that most vehicles even if found have had damage done to them. Ahhhhh, what a concept. Even if found, there has been damage because the person who stole it doesn't appreciate the value of the car like it's owner. When people betray our trust or we betray another's faith in us, there is damage. Of course, damage can be repaired, but this may take time. Consequences. I have learned there are people who don't understand trust. Maybe they weren't taught trust as a small child. Maybe someone they loved really burned them. Maybe they are so interested in their wants and wishes, is isn't worth the sacrifice to build trust. And, I don't believe all people will hurt you. I believe there are still people who have a sincere heart for good and know what the most important commandment is...."to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind....then to love your neighbor as yourself." In order to live this, people must believe this. So, the next time you can't find your car in the Target parking lot and you are starting to feel your heart race, you start to question the soundness of your mind and memory....remember how you treat others. Can they find their car, or are they stranded between the rows of dismay and disbelief, with their heart dangling, just like a set of keys, wondering how this could have happened to them, especially by you.