by Colleen Ranney

Created on: September 23, 2007   Last Updated: October 03, 2010

Stealing is a cheater's way of getting what they want.

In the early morning hours when my alarm clock begins to buzz, I roll over and push the snooze button. I trick myself into believing a few more minutes will make all the difference. Next time, I will get out of bed. However, as I steal minutes to continue sleeping, I lose minutes of the morning to get ready for work. All too soon, the realization of my own self-delusion slams into me like a lightning bolt. I jolt out of bed, frantic to steal another few minutes so I will not be late.

Stealing is a never-ending spring of deception. Those who steal do so because they are unaware and want immediate results in the situation. They are unaware of any other moment than now. They are unaware of what it means to grow, to nurture, and to develop.

Have you ever read the story about the little red hen? This story is the greatest story ever written that clearly demonstrates why people steal. I am not surprised the writer chose familiar barnyard animals as the main characters in this story. Stealing is an animal instinct that reacts on impulse. Those who steal have never learned how to be the cook in their own lives. All they have knowledge of is their own hunger.

Self-sufficiency comes from understanding and accepting ones own need and the needs of others. This is the foundation we are each responsible for building in our own lives. Like time, this is a part of life we cannot steal.

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