Few things are as good as being together with those you love, especially when you have a salt breeze and great conversation. One night this summer, we sat on my brother’s dock on the bay side of the gulf in Santa Rosa. These visits are mental medicine for our family.
That night, the kayak swayed in the water on the far side of the dock.
My oldest son was eager to try it out. He asked his uncle and got the go-ahead. My brother gave him instructions and a basic orientation — the gulf to the south, the bay to the north. As John left, his paddles pushed a small, quiet wake behind him.
Our conversation meandered as we waited for him to return. My sister-in-law looked at me after a while and said, “Wonder when he’ll be back?”
The question was benign at first. He’ll be back in just a bit. He is having his adventure in true fifteen-year-old fashion.
But the question came back insidiously and crippled all rational thought. I walked to the edge of the dock and called my son’s name into the darkness.
Nothing. I kept calling, but silence was the only answer.
Fear gripped me until my knees were weak and my stomach heaved. My brother took me by the shoulders to assure me.
“STOP talking!” I yelled. “Just go find him!!” My brother and my husband took off.
There was absolutely nothing I could do. I didn’t know the area or the neighbors. All I could do was stand on the dock and call my son’s name. Between inward prayers and the onslaught of parental guilt, I called to him.
This went on until I heard voices call from the house. My daughter ran down to me: “They found him!!”
I called out his name again, as loud as I could. There was a faint response. I needed to hear it clearly, and so I called out again. “Coming!!” he replied. “COMING!!”
Stonecroft women look for those who feel disconnected, discouraged, disillusioned or defeated. At some time or another, we have all been the one who needs to be found.
Go find someone. Then, come join us.
We are better together.
Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ Count on it—there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
– Luke 15:4-7 (MSG)
Suzy Stjernstrom
Mid-South Field Director
Inspirational