Security Force

     I entered a drawing for a chance to win a new John Deer lawn tractor knowing that it was a promotion for an alarm company.  Actually I wanted to install one when my wife and I purchased our home but she objected.  I figured she would say no this time too but to my surprise she thought it was a good idea. 
   I believe what changed her mind was some of our neighbors.  The family that once lived across the street were nice enough people, or at least the parents were but the boys were trouble.  One was in and out of jail constantly, mostly on drug charges.  They were buying from the people who lives on Stout street and when they boys were home it was a hot bed of drug activity.  Of course they didn't like me because I would make them turn their loud car stereo's down. 
   The son of the people who lives in the first house entering the neighborhood was arrested on thief charges recently and we do have some neighbors that live like trailer trash.  One has a big hole in the front of their house while another has debris piled up in his yard. Their place always looks like a natural disaster just occurred. 
   We have had some trouble with a few of the neighbors, mostly small stuff like people letting their big dogs run loose or teenagers trespassing in the yard.  I don't want to turn this into a gripe column  so just suffice it to say the neighborhood isn't as nice as I hoped it would be. 
    We had the basic security system installed with sensors for my shed and the special fire alarm system.  I much prefer to have a security system than a gun.  My Dad had a gun for protection but one night two thieves broke into his place while he and Mom slept.  They found his gun and held it to his head while the thieves did their work.  I just don't think I can be held hostage with a keypad.  An alarm system is good 24 hours a day while a gun is only good if you are the one holding it and you are at home. 
   I'm not anti-gun by any means but it isn't the thing for me.  For everyone's safety, mine included, I think it is far better to allow the police to handle situations where violence may be needed. 
   The point I want to make in this article isn't about my alarm system but about the young man who installed it.  He is an ex-marine just recently married and a Christian.  I'm not talking about the average run of the mill Christian who is a person who goes to church now and then but never really prays and who has a passive faith.  No this young man incorporated his faith into his work and could quote his favorite scriptures.  The best part of the whole evening is when he, my wife and I  had prayer together before he departed. 
   That doesn't happen in today's world.  Or so one is lead to believe.