Leaving the Ninety-Nine to Find the One

I spent an enjoyable weekend a few miles north of Malaga, overlooking the city when the sky was clear.  What we thought was close to the beach actually ended up a 30-minute drive up the curvy mountain roads, but it also entailed a rustic house, home-cooked meals (including rabbit and mushroom pie), and that "out in the middle of nowhere" feel I have come to enjoy so much.  As I stepped out of the car into the gorgeous afternoon breeze, I was set back into past memories.  There is something so inviting about that weather and feel.

I went up with some friends, having signed up to do childcare for a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old.  As I held the 1-year-old's hand along the dirt road, she kept veering closer to the drop-off.  Perhaps it was the tiny yellow flowers or the grass that measured close to her height that held the intrigue, but I definitely had to be on my guard.

Of course she had no idea of the impending danger.  It reminded me of the biblical idea of us being sheep and the Lord as our shepherd.  How constantly we "veer towards the edge," drawing nearer and nearer to the intrigue that brings with it pain, or even death.  The Lord's hand is strong though, and His faithfulness even stronger, pulling us back towards Himself.

We may think that comfort, security, power, acceptance, even love, are to be sought after and worth our time and effort.  We see those pretty flowers or want to be hidden in the height of the grass, but that is not where we will be the most safe.

Our safety is within the arms of our Creator, who has promised to never leave us or forsake us, who holds us in the palm of His hand.  We are like sheep who wander astray, not even sensing the danger that is off the path.

Thankfully God's children have a heavenly Father who wants the best for them and is looking ahead when we don't have sense enough to do so.  We are in need of a protector, a guiding staff, a gentle rod.

"Thank you, Father, for pulling us back to Yourself.  Thank You for being our guide and for picking us up when we are wandering, scared, and hurt.  Thank You for saving us from our own foolishness.  Thanks for leaving the ninety-nine to find the one."