Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
It seems that every camping excursion with our friends involved some kind of excitement. The trip I’m about to describe was no exception.
It was Father’s Day weekend, and since it was a nice warm day, our families decided to spend the afternoon down by the campground pool. One family brought their little dog Victor on the camping trip, but because dogs are not permitted at the pool area, Victor had to stay behind. Once the pup was securely tucked away in the tent, we were ready for some fun in the sun.
After a long swim, the adults lounged by the poolside while the kids continued to swim and play. Sometime later, a park ranger came into the pool area, holding up a small black and brown dog, asking if it belonged to anyone. Someone from our group said, “I think that’s Victor.”
Victor’s owner adamantly replied, “No, no… that’s not Victor.”
Then someone else chimed in, “I don’t know… that really looks like Victor.”
Still not convinced, the owner walked over to get a closer look. She looked back at us and gasped, “Oh my goodness, that’s Victor!”
Apparently the little escape artist broke out of the tent, grew frightened, and began terrorizing the campground. The park ranger was alerted, and after realizing the helpless pup’s plight, he decided to try and reunite the dog with his owners.
Have you ever been lost?
Before accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were all lost. Just as the park ranger provided help to Victor, perhaps someone was instrumental in helping you find Jesus. Have you told them how thankful you are for their role in your salvation?
Unlike Victor’s owners, who were oblivious to their little dog’s absence, our heavenly Father knows each and every one of His children who are lost. Like the father of the prodigal son, God anxiously awaits our homecoming and welcomes us with open arms.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)
“…the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:22-24)
That park ranger could have decided it was too much of a bother to connect a little dog with his owners. He could have left the job for someone else, but he didn’t. He took his responsibility seriously and did what he could.
As Christians, our greatest responsibility is to help others find their way to the Father. May we use every opportunity that we are given to help point the lost in the right direction – Jesus.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)
