Have you ever lost something valuable, searched everywhere for it, and rejoiced when you found it?
My husband, Kenn and I took a trip last weekend to Corpus Christi, Texas. We spent time at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in pursuit of whooping cranes and roseate spoonbills. There we saw several egrets, herons, pelicans, and sandhill cranes—all lovely, but not our primary goal. We returned a second time two days later. Still none in sight. But a person at the visitor center mentioned another nearby location where sightings of both species had occurred. Off we went to the Big Tree in Goose Island State Park.
I love trees, and the Big Tree was no exception. This ancient live oak, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, stood majestically with its branches outstretched. And across from it we found whooping cranes and roseate spoonbills. My pictures aren’t great because we couldn’t get close. But we were grateful to see these birds.
One morning, we toured the USS Lexington—a World War II aircraft carrier that became a museum in 1992. We visited the flight deck containing many aircraft, which included the plane used in the 1986 Top Gun movie. We also toured the junior officer’s quarters, captain’s cabin, engine room, and more. As we ventured from one area to the next, I noticed my purse didn’t feel as full or heavy as usual. I dismissed the thought when I realized I’d stuck my phone in my jean’s pocket and not in my purse.
A few hours later, when I opened my purse, my heart fell. My cash, credit card, and driver’s license were gone, along with my wallet. Had I dropped it? We called the USS Lexington to inquire if anyone had turned one in. They hadn’t. I did my best to remain calm, and we prayed. When we returned to our hotel room, I searched in my suitcase, on the bathroom vanity, and on the bed. I grabbed my camera bag, but I was certain my wallet wasn’t there either.
That’s when my foot touched something underneath the bed. My wallet. It must have slipped out of my purse without me noticing when I took out a pair of clippers that morning. I would have expected to hear a thud when it hit the floor, but I hadn’t.
Not only was I grateful and thanked the Lord, but I couldn’t help but rejoice. If I hadn’t found it, I would have been stuck in Texas. I needed my driver’s license to board the plane home the next day.
When I found my wallet, I imagined that’s how the women in Luke 15:8-10 must have felt when she found her lost coin. She lost something of value and rejoiced when she located it again.
And when she finds it, she calls her friends and
neighbors together and says,
‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’
Luke 15:9, NIV
Kenn and I rejoiced with thanksgiving together.
And I have another wonderful reason to rejoice. When I was lost, the Lord found me. Time to celebrate my Savior—Jesus Christ! Time to rejoice in His birth!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Banner Photo by Joshua J. Cotten - Unsplash