When I am Searching

Yesterday I finished my first year at Western Kentucky University, and all I can truly say is "wow." God is so incredible and he blessed me throughout the whole year. He kept his hand on me and allowed me so many opportunities along the way. This year I have come to know God as a dear friend, a protector, a healer, and the giver of second chances. Even more than that, however, I have come to know Him as my father, who cares deeply for me and wants the best for me.

Its funny though, I have soooo many stories I could tell about this past year that would show how great God has been. I could tell you about the my first week of school compared to the last and that story would prove to you that God gives second chances. I could tell you about the incredible friendships I have been privileged to make throughout the year to prove that God heals the broken hearted, and I could tell you story after story about how God has protected me. But the story I want to share happened tonight, on my first night of summer break, right in my home town.

Every year the Strawberry Festival comes to town; I have been going since I was a little kid. As I get older the Strawberry Festival becomes less and less appealing. Instead of seeing the bright lights and enjoying the rides, I see people who are lost, withdrawn from God. People who are searching for Him in all the wrong places. I hear sirens, see smoke, and smell the port-a-potties. Its not that appealing. Tonight, after going to the festival for almost 18 years, I saw the most terrifying episode yet. A little girl, separated from her parents. She was crying, tears running down her face and running around, darting between people, eyes wide. The little girl's name was Janie, and my mom knew her because she works at the school. My mom asked her if she was alright, and with tear filled eyes she sobbed "I can't find my mommy and daddy!"

Honestly, I wanted to cry. I can only imagine being Janie's age, surrounded by people I didn't know, and being lost. It would be so scary. But I thought, after all this time learning about God and who He is in my life, I can see that most importantly He is my daddy and I desperately need Him; I am lost without Him. What would I do lost in this world? Where would I turn? Who would I go to? Fortunately, when I am searching I know exactly where to go. It's easy to run straight to the lap of my father when I need protection, when I need healing, when I need comfort.

I love my Father.