The Father looked out the cabin window pensively. As the snow flakes changed from a lazy float to a furious flurry, his chair inched closer and closer to the window. The sun’s rays of light were gobbled up by the storm’s clouds. Where was he?
“Dad, will you come tuck me in?”
“Give me a second and I’ll be there.”
The Father shivered and pulled his coat tighter as he stepped out of the warmth of the fire and into the brutal cold of the frigid temperatures. His eyes scanning the rough terrain of the mountain. He could be anywhere. His throat closed as his heart filled with icy pain. His tears flowed freely and he made no move to wipe the chilly rivers from his cheeks. He heard a howl, or was it a moan, on the wind. He held tightly to the log column of the porch. I’m going to be sick. He closed his eyes to calm his emotions. When I open them, he will be here standing in front of me safe and sound but his hope was sucked into the swirling snow and replaced with a sense of deep dread as he watched as the last glimmers of light gave way to deep darkness. He turned and ducked back into the cabin. He closed the door quickly now certain of what he must do. The Father announced, “I must go!”
The young boy shuffled carefully in his house shoes and then held fast to his Father’s legs. “Don’t go! You said you would tuck me in and I’m scared! It’s dark and there’s bears and wolves that might come get me! Please, please stay with me.”
“No, son, you are safe. You have the fire to warm you. The cabin is safe but your brother…” He swallowed quickly as his voice broke. “I have to find him. I will be back.”
The young boy pleaded “But he always runs off and he never listens to you. It’s his own fault. I always stay right by your side. I would never run away, Father. Please don’t leave me here alone. He’s fine. He’s probably warming himself in a cave by a fire.”
The Father led him back to the small bed in the corner, leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Let us hope what you say is true. I love you.” Ignoring the pleas and cries of his beloved son in the cabin, he went into the cold and utter darkness. Dead or alive, the Father would not return until he found his lost son.
Luke 15:4-7 “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.
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