Candy (Tales from the 5th Grade)

I once had a girl in my class who stole things. She was a dirty faced, tangled hair, unkept little waif. She stole stuff, mostly little stuff; trinkets, pencils, erasers, even half eaten candy. I couldn't get her to stop. Even when I gave her these things she would still steal. I was told that children of neglect will often steal as a means of self-comfort.

I have realized in myself this same pattern. If I feel neglected or unloved, I steal. Not things, but intangibles, I steal affection, I steal time, words, praise and personalities. I need to stop, because stealing reduces my soul.

I need to find better ways, authentic ways that

heal and nurture. I need to remember I am never alone, and never unloved.