Lost and Found

Last night I was heading to my parents house to do laundry. Our dryer broke sometime last week and we didn't even know it.

Then one day I realized that we were taking turns in re-drying the same load. The musty smell of the wet clothes finally tipped us off that something just wasn't right.

So just as I am trying to turn my life around in Laundry Land my dryer has a nervous breakdown. I suppose it's because it's being used more than normal and doesn't know how to handle working all of the time.

So on the way to my parents home to use their dryer, I saw two guys searching for their dog. I wanted to stop and help them, but it was 11 at night and I don't talk to strangers after the street lights come on. So I kept driving, but this is what came to my mind before the dog's search party was out of view in my rear view mirror.

We've all seen the signs for someone's missing pet. Here's a mock one I made up just in case our lovely dog Kane comes up missing, which he just might if he ever destroys a feather pillow again:

LOST

His name is Kane and he is very friendly.

Last seen playing with tennis ball in backyard.

Please call worried owner ASAP at 555-5555 if found.

REWARD given upon return.

Desperate homemade pleas on computer paper seen in every city found stapled on telephone poles or taped to glass doors of a business in the attempt to bring their loved ones back to where they belong.

The thought that made me smile as I turned into my parents neighborhood was this:

When we make the choice to wander off the narrow path is this what the angels see stapled to the poles that line the streets of gold? Is this what Moses sees taped to the door of the throne room?

LOST

Her name is Lelia and she is very friendly.

Last seen reading My Word in her chair.

Please call on her Creator by praying if she is found.

REWARD given upon return.

My sister has a dog that she rescued from the humane society. Molly loves the food and safe shelter that Michelle provides her, but suddenly Molly got tired of being obedient. One morning when Michelle opened the back door Molly bolted out from under her master's protection only to find herself alone on the streets. No food, no shelter, no pats on the head, no instruction.

For awhile, my sister was calling weekly asking me to pray as she was on the chase for what belonged to her. Then after doing that many times Michelle got tired of making Molly be somewhere she had no desire being, so she let her go. As sad as it made my sister, she just had to hope Molly would remember how good she had it and want to come back. The freedom that Molly desired turned out to not be what she wanted at all as she eventually returned home.

Her master rejoiced.

I imagine just like my sister and many good dog owners that it grieves one's heart to no end when their loved one chases after what they think is a better life; only to find that the streets of the world have nothing to offer.

I have grieved my Savior's heart many many times because I wasn't satisfied with what He had to offer and the world looked much better to me. And so I ran. I got bored with a life of obedience and reading His Word and I closed my Bible and ran. Sooner or later after getting tired of chasing after nothing but depression, rejection, shame and despair, I returned home.

My Master rejoiced.

Back in the arms of Jesus was my reward.

I don't want to have a lost sign posted about me by Jesus ever again. I don't want to be without Him because of my choice to run from Him. When life gets rough I want to choose wisely.

I want to run to Him. Run after Him.

So in everyday life, how do we stick with what we know is good for us?

By daily seeking Him. Being in His Word every day whether we feel like it or not. Fellowshipping and blogging with others that push us closer to Him. Praying without ceasing. Recognizing when boredom or complacency tries to invade our walk with Him and attack it with Scripture. Just simply being curious about Him.

I urge you to chase Him down like my sister did with Molly.

He is so worth the catch.

Love you,

Join me and friends tomorrow for the awesome YES to GOD Tuesday discussion of Lysa TerKeurst's book "What Happens When Women Walk in Faith."

Join us at any time!