We had an great time together last week. The break was much needed, and the time to reposition thoughts through the lens of time with family, a significant blessing. The four of us spent time in a cabin on a lake. A very large lake.

Our cabin was rustic, and quaint. It's view peered out over the water, and was filled with boats docked in slips too numerous to count. Trees framed the expanse, and clumsily blocked the sightline of many other homes. While the lake was enormous, our corner of it seemed quite small.

This lake had many fingers, and several wide open runs. Our position was tucked neatly away from all of the traffic. We scarcely saw two or three boats per day involved their purpose.

We spent time talking, playing games, sunning by the pool, simmering in a private hot tub, reading and in general, catching up. There was no agenda, no plan we had to rush out to complete, just taking time to look back as we began to look forward.

One day by the pool, Lauren removed the silver necklace she bought in North Africa last year to assure she did not lose it. Previously, she had lost the earrings she bought in South Africa in a similar setting, and did not want a replay.

While overseas, we generally find one or maybe two items that are meaningful to us, that help us remember the journey. That is the often the extent of personal purchases.

On this day, somewhere between leaving the pool, and heading back to our cabin, the keepsake disappeared.

When she realized it, she began a search. She retraced her steps, and looked carefully through each article of clothing. She spoke to the cabins owner, and he joined in the search. Later, we went back to the pool area and again searched...to no avail.

We looked in likely places and unlikely places. Down on all fours, she took time to separate nearby blades of grass as she sought the necklace. I went through the pool filter, and looked at each area around it that we had spent time. It was gone.

Surrendering to the misfortune did not come easily. It was frustrating for her, I know. She was trying hard to be careful, and still it disappeared.

That day ended as most did, with a game back in the cabin.

Late the following morning, we headed back to the pool to relax. We resumed our positions from the day before. My three girls were in reclining chairs, and I propped my feet up in the same two deck chairs as I had used the day before.

As I moved one into position to recieve my feet, my attention was drawn to the deck. It was contoured concrete of natural color. There before me, as though it had just been placed so I could see it, was her necklace.

I had looked there yesterday. So had she. So had the cabin owner. None of us saw it. I honestly don't know how we missed it. It was right in our traffic area.

Realizing from previous experience how important lighting is in these situations, we had tried to view each area from many angles to catch the suns glint off of the shiny silver. We had failed.

I kind of laughed when I found it, realizing how crucial the direction of light was to the ability to really see.

In John 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see, and those who see will become blind."

Some Pharisee who heard Him responded with sarcasm and question. He responded, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."

Too often we think we know best, can see exactly what is coming, and can best interpret our circumstances. When we behave this way, we exhibit our blindness. Our world is full of people who live this way, so are our churches.

Later in John 12:35-36, Jesus says, "Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you can become sons of light."

We need to be sure that the we are walking with the light and not aimlessly with self-confidence, walking in pride and darkness.

The week before we left for our retreat, Deanna had fasted and prayed over a job interview. She was seeking His guidance for her. Trying hard to be sure she was seeking His light on her path, and not pursuing her own desires.

The day we left to come home, she was offered and has now accepted an elementary music teaching position in a school much closer to our home. We praise God for His provision. We are most thankful for this.

She had to carefully consider this opportunity as it is a part-time position. While that was not what she was looking for, we know it is what He has provided, and are walking into the unknown once again. His light is shining on the path before us, and we will continue to seek Him.

His Name be praised!

brent (dad)


Karen, we are praying for His provision in your life as well. I know He has plans for you. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you." (Jer 29:11) Seek Him in the light as we lift you up.