Lost Items

I nearly lost something that holds great sentimental value to me tonight. In the last 10 years since I received it as a gift, it has rarely been away from me. Actually, I can't believe that it has been 10 years since I received it because it always looks so new!

The gift was specially picked by my mother, hand crafted and presented to me. I remembered being so proud to receive a 'grown up' gift because she has one just like it too.

Over the years, I have lost a number of items. A pair of hoop earrings which mom liked me to wear but I thought they made me look like a tribal woman. My mathematics exercise book which I lost during kindergarten days - I spent the rest of the semester pretending I still had it but was actually writing onto the table. That's why my maths is so bad even till today!

I often ponder about those lost things, about where they now are. Are they lying in a gutter or a dump somewhere? But they are inconsequential. It is the loss of things which are precious to oneself that hurts. Regrets, what - if questions, bitterness pops up and lingers. The whole house searches, retracing steps and actions till the item is found. Those who have cherished and lost will know.

The Bible even talks about this in Luke 15 via the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd will leave his flock of 99 sheep in a helper's hand to find his one lost sheep. 'And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'

The last line of this paragraph means more to me now after this latest scare episode. 'I say to you likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance'. I am glad that I am not inconsequential, but am precious in the eyes of God.