I share this memory today. It is as vivid and painful as it was more than fifty years ago. To me it is a reminder that we are all lost until our loving Lord wraps his arms around us and welcomes us home to His family.

He was only three. My son was lost.
For an hour he ran down unfamiliar streets. He cried desperately.

It was the darkest hour of my life.
My family searched; the police searched.
I stayed close to the phone.
I prayed.

A kind woman saw his distress.
She held him. She calmed his tears with a cupcake.
She called the police.

A cruiser would pull up to my home.
One very small boy would climb out.
I waited with arms outstretched.
He ran to me.

We held each other tightly. We cried with relief.
For that moment, no one else in the world mattered.
The one who was lost had come home.

We’re told that our Father in Heaven, rejoices when a lost one is found.
He welcomes them with open arms.
Yes Father, I understand.

Remember, He will always welcome you home. He loves you unconditionally.

Judy

“Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke15:6-7