Day 35: Tuesday, April 4, 2017           Luke 15

 Lost & Found

The Jackson County fair is still a tradition that my family takes part in every year. October is a cold month when the fair sets up. There is never a day that the fair is not crowded, but this particular year it seemed to be more crowded than usual. My mother told me to stay close and to hold her hand due to the possibility I would get lost in the crowd.

 There is so much to look at while walking; you have food, rides and games for entertainment. We would stop and look and then I would grab my mother’s hand and walk on. I did this for a while; I felt safe because I knew she was right there. But as I looked up, I realized that I was not holding my mother’s hand; it was a stranger who held my hand in his. I totally freaked out, began to cry, and ran off from the stranger.

 After hours of sheer panic and nightfall, something came to my mind. My mother always told my brothers and me, “If you ever get lost, go to the police station. I will meet you there.” I did just that, and after they realized who I was, they said your mother has already filed a missing person report and is waiting for you. 

  As a seven-year old, I was so scared that I can still feel the emotions I felt over 35 years ago. I feel this event, that happened so many years ago, resembles the many times I have distanced myself from God. I place my eyes on many things that entertain me, losing sight of God’s protecting, loving, and guiding presence.

 What I have set my eyes on has taken me from God, and what was best for me was to seek out God, grab hold of His hand, and never let go.

 Much to my surprise, when I was reunited with mother, she was not mad at all; she hugged me, told me that it doesn’t matter how I got lost; she was happy I was found safe. This is how God is; He never turns you away. The prodigal son in the Bible represents many of us. If this is you, don’t be afraid to reach out to God with a humble, childlike heart, and He will welcome you back. There is nothing that you may have done that God’s blood does not cover.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for guiding me safely back home in Your presence.  Help me to follow where You lead and protect me from the many distractions in life. By Your precious blood I am saved. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Contributed by Connie Logan