Do we have the faith, encouraged by Luke 15, that lost people, pictured as straying sheep, misplaced coins, and wandering sons, will eventually return to their rightful place? Do we anticipate rejoicing wholeheartedly when what is lost is found by Christ?

A few weeks ago, we returned home after a wonderful family vacation in Michigan. A week filled with sunny days, afternoons at the beach, and hearty family meals at night had us rested and relaxed. As it was dusk and distant lightning threatened rain, we hustled to unload our vehicles. We were able to get all the suitcases, bags, and boxes into the house just before the doubly dark skies opened up and a heavy rain began.

A bit weary after a day of traveling and unloading, Miriam my wife, Celia my daughter, and I sat down and enjoyed a few minutes of reflection over snacks before deciding to head to bed. Around 10:30 p.m. Miriam, thinking our dog Oscar was already in his crate, went in to close him up for the night. But Oscar, our pet King Charles Spaniel of eight years, who has grown increasingly blind because of a chronic disease this breed often suffers, was not there. A thorough search through the house revealed that he was missing.

In the midst of all the ins and outs of unloading, we remembered we had left him outside to do his business. In all our years here, Oscar has never wandered away.

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