lost and found

I can’t find it!

This phrase I have heard too many times to count.  It’s the all-encompassing phrase… shirts, toys, socks, shoes (especially shoes ~ and always when we are already late)… this time the necessary pads.  Can’t play without the pads… the pads that protect…

I can’t find… 

Sighs, grumbles, loud (not very kind) words, more sighs, more grumbles, and tears.  Fine.  No playing today then.

You have to learn…

The moment passes.  The tears dry.

Days pass, searching, seeking, and the hunt ends in reward.  The pads are found.  All is well.  The player gets back in the game.

This lesson ~ the one of responsibility ~ taught… and learned.  Mom checks the square.

There are no coincidences…

A child, working diligently on her studies, “Mama, I know what a parable is…”

a story that teaches a lesson

She continues, “there’s a story about a son who was lost… he came to his senses… his father welcomed him home… he was found.”

An irresponsible son… joyously welcomed home by the father.

It’s a beautiful story.  Meant to teach us… a lesson.

You have to learn…   

Oh.  This lesson for me to learn.

This lesson of responsibility… the thoughts of the unkind words carelessly strewn about… the scarring of a moment… the opportunity to show grace… missed.

Whose lesson is this to learn?

This lesson of lost and found ~ it has eternal consequences.  I have been lost, I have hidden my face, I have forgotten…  

The open arms have welcomed me back.  This is the lesson… the lesson to teach… to learn…

Luke 15:32

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.