Pioneer Christian Monthly - December, 1997

Daddy, Where Are You?
Grace Eisen

"I belong to the King, I'm a child of His love, And He never forsaketh His own; He will call me some day to His palace above, I shall dwell by His glorified throne." (#284 Worship and Service Hymnal) This sentiment of the hymn writer reflects the feelings in my soul, as I am assured of the presence of my Father in my life. I thought of a story that illustrates this belongingness and love of my Lord and thought you would relate to it too.

Do you remember a time in your life when you were lost and then found? It probably follows a scenario similar to this story.

One day a child went to the mall with her father to buy a tool and look at the Christmas decorations. There was lots of excitement and anticipation in the car on the way there. As they went into the mall, father said, "Now stay close because there are lots of people here today." There sure were lots of people and lots of things to see. The hardware store had tools and toys and household stuff in the windows to lure adults and children. The book store had books and calendars and cards for every occasion. The toy store had all the dolls, trucks, trains, and puzzles any child could ask for at Christmas. The pet store had puppies! They played together and tumbled over each other and made the little girl laugh with joy. As she turned to her father to point out a great romp, she realized that her father was not there. She looked around in all directions and started to feel alone and uneasy as she walked a little further down the mall. The windows didn't hold any joy any more. She was getting frightened. Would her father find her? Would he go home without her? The tears were starting to fall. There were adults who looked at her and asked, "Are you lost? Where are your parents? Do you want to come with me?"

DADDY! DADDY! WHERE ARE YOU? Panic had set in. No other adult would do, as she ran through the crowd. Oh, Daddy, where can I find you? What shall I do? Is that a familiar coat? Oh, no, that man has a beard.

Then through a gap in the crowd she saw her father, who was looking straight at her. As he saw her coming, kneeled down and stretched out his arms. She ran into them with all her might. As he hugged her, he laughed with happiness. "It's okay. I'm here." The sobs are still coming with her apology, "I'm sorry I got lost." Those arms are so warm and safe and loving! Her father holds her tight and says, "I've been keeping an eye on you all along. You sure run fast. Come now, let's go home together."

As we go through our spiritual life, we too are like this child. We wander off, looking at the things of this world. There are jobs, cars, houses, money, trips, and clothes that lure us away. All the stuff in the store windows looks so desirable. Then the realization comes to us that we are alone. Our father is out of sight! We panic and look all over for him. Other religions and cults offer us help and try to entice us to come with them. Our hearts cry out, "Father, where are you? Father, I'm lost! How can I find the way home?"

As we look through all the other choices, we suddenly see Christ, who kneels to catch us as we run to Him with all our might. Through our tears, we say "I'm sorry I got lost. Please forgive me." As He holds us in His loving arms, He says "I've been keeping an eye on you all along. You sure run fast. Come now, let's go home together."

He leadeth me, Oh blessed thought! Oh, words with heavenly comfort fraught! What-e'er I do, Where-e'er I be, Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. (#281 Worship and Service Hymnal)

Grace Eisen is a member of Guelph Reformed Church in Guelph, Ontario.

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