I start off with a narrative rendering of Philippians 4 verses 4 through 9 then share from my book, A Course in Christianity, a chapter entitled, "Are people Lost?" then I conclude with another poem, "Open My Eyes That I May See." You should enjoy this episode a lot.
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My dog escaped yesterday. I was watching a movie on our flat screen TV when a gust of wind outside blew the gate open. In my dog's mind this meant FREEDOM. He happily exited and began his dogventure. Our other dog, Molly, decided to stay home.
Eva, my wife, had been out shopping but upon hearing via my text message that our dog had escaped and was "lost," came home quickly.
I got into her van upon her arrival and we began the arduous task of circling the neighborhood in a systematic way, shouting out the window, "Charlie, oh, Charlie." We circled the neighborhood for about 45 minutes. In my mind, it was hopeless. I was not too optimistic that we would find this lost dog, but Eva wasn't giving up and she didn't know I was feeling so negative.
We came upon one street we hadn't searched yet and there, standing in a yard, was a lady who had Charlie on a leash. It was cold and cloudy with a biting wind blowing but at the exact moment that we arrived, she was out there with our dog. What a joyous and happy reunion we had. I wanted to kill a calf and celebrate the return of our prodigal dog. (Molly, our other dog, was feeling despondent that we gave so much attention to Charlie, but she understood and barked approvingly when I told her, "He was lost, but now he's found.")
Anyway, why tell you all of this? Because there may be people in your life who are lost and you may feel as I did when it seemed such a fruitless cause to continue searching, to continue reaching, to continue being optimistic and prayerful that the lost will be found. But I urge you to not lose faith, ever. They aren't lost. They're just not found yet.
By choosing hopefulness instead of hopelessness, we consciously contribute to their rescue. We have chosen to continue to have hope and it is in that hopeful light that God can work His miracles and bring your prodigals home...to Him.
So, are we hopeful or hopeless? Are we guided by circumstances and appearances and falling prey to a negative result or, with Jesus, are we knowing the truth and, through His strength, remaining positive?
Are we victims or victors? This world paints a picture of defeat and many moan helplessly and, with heads hanging down, walk the muddy streets of this world, depressed and forlorn. Is this you?
Don't be a victim when, through Christ, you can be a victor.
It was great to have Charlie home again. Molly panted with delight and was very glad to see him, too.
I'd love to hear from you! email: vic@zarley.net
