"Seeking" by Kristin Wooldridge
Seeking . . .
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity” (Jeremiah 29:13–13).
Smithville Big V. Big V for Big Value. Looking back, it was only big enough for me to wander. Just the right size for an adventure a few aisles away as my mother pushed the cart with my little sister. Yes! I’d skip down the aisles. Yes! I’d inventory every kind of candy, cereal box, and chip bag. Yes! I’d say hello to all the shoppers and twirled if I was in a new dress. And yes, I’d gladly accept a red and white mint from the cashier, who had watched me grow to a fine age of five or so.
My adventure would be halted there with Velma. Smiling, she asked me, “Do you want to find your Mama, or should we use the speaker to call her?” OH NO! Not the loudspeaker!
Panic filled my eyes! Velma smiled and told me to retrace my way, and there, my Mama would be. Over my shoulder, I would hear her remind me not to run. So, off I would go, seeking out my Mama. My only mission, as I skipped, was to return to Mama. My hopes dashed as I rounded each corner to not find her. Two aisles left! She was there. She did not leave me. Velma would not have allowed that!
Of course, in the last aisle, I could see her pushing the cart and walking with her easy sway. “Mama!!” I called out with glee, and I ran to her. I hugged her right around her thighs, and she coolly said, “Welcome Back, Tissy Lish.” I squeezed her again then pulled away, smiling as I told her what I wanted to show her.
If this is a time you feel far from God’s loving presence, I urge you to focus on the return of God’s love in your life with all your heart. You will feel loved, found, and free.