Luke 2:41-51
Happy 18 months, Ivy Mae! We love you so, precious daughter. Many "squeezies"!

This story in Luke of Jesus straying from his parents for several days cracks me up! I can just see a serious, old-beyond-his-12-years face, insolently glaring at his frantic mother. "Hello! Didn't you know I'd be here?!" If my kid said that to me, I'd reply, "Hello! Did you know you're seriously grounded?!"

Jesus was still a typical teenager!

More importantly, he taught us that when we stray, we are never lost; we always have a home, a compass, in God. It is as simple as stopping what we are doing and quietly seeking God in the moment- He is here!

I said "simple," not "easy." How often do we get so anxious and harried, so sure that THIS CRISIS IS SO IMPORTANT, RIGHT NOW! We get stressed. Then the car breaks down. Then your toddler dumps packing peanuts all over the rug you just vacuumed (yep), then this thing happens, then that thing explodes, then everyone's cranky and it's only Tuesday...

No, not easy. But consistent. God is consistent, because it doesn't matter how far we stray, He is still there, waiting for us. How amazing is that?! Some days I'm just breathless with the wonder of it-no matter where I am, God meets me there and brings me back. Especially in this busy season, one that's become so secular and consumer-oriented, it's hard to remember that tiny infant in a manger. We stray far down the path of buying, travel, running, and wrapping. AH! At the end of the day, God enfolds us and gently reminds us to relax, to celebrate, and be joyful.

Prayer: God, may my life give back the love you have shown me, through everyone I see and everything I do. Keep us close so that we do not lose our direction in life. Amen.

Thought for the day: Even when we stray, we are God's beloved children.