Two times in one day...

...I was confronted with my concept of safety, and I sort of felt like I lost.

This afternoon, I walked into the room of a teenage boy who, just the night before, had been dropped off in the ER by his friends after they'd found him unconcious from an overdose of alcohol, marijuana and some prescription drugs. As I introduced myself and talked with him, I was aware of the police officers down the hallway and the restraints (already used once that morning) laying on the floor. He made little eye contact, which did nothing to calm me, though I saw the slightest glimpse of a smile as I made light conversation during our visit. This is not the first time I've experienced some trepidation on the job, but I still feel very safe, and this afternoon's experience made little impact.

Until this evening...

This evening, John and I left church and headed to dinner with friends. We were stopped at a light, when I noticed a particularly intrusive homeless man. You know, the kind who stares at you and steps too closely to the car? I saw him sit on the hood of the car in front of us, which was odd, but I thought maybe it was a friend. (I know, I know) Then he came to our car, stood in front of us and peered into our windshield. When John waved him away and attempted to pull around, he stepped in front of us again and then began banging the car with his fist and yelling at neighboring cars to call the police because we'd hurt his leg. He continued to yell, bang and wave after the light had turned green, so John laid on the horn. The man seemed to think this was an invitation to come to the door, which was scary enough, but thankfully, it gave John the chance to drive away. (The man continued to bang on the car and yell as we drove off) We pulled into the parking lot where we were meeting friends, I cried a little and tried to stop shaking and then John called the police. Only the second time this year that I've called 311 (okay, the first time was to report serious debris on the road...I'm just a good citizen), but once again I felt better after I did.

I'm glad to be in my bed right now. Safe with John and comfy under the sheets. I put a romantic comedy on the television just to lighten the mood, and I'm praying thanks that my God is sufficient to meet all my needs...I'm glad He is my stronghold and fortress and He watches over my steps.