Coming Home

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Coming Home

by Leslie Bennett

Snow had fallen overnight and left a beautiful, white blanket over the neighborhood. Snow day! What all children love to hear. Mom fixed a hot breakfast to give us the fuel we needed for the fun day ahead of us. We anxiously dressed in our warmest attire, put on our boots and coats, and headed outside.

We made many trips back up the hill after riding our sleds down the slippery slope at the end of the street. I can almost feel my frozen nose, numb fingers and toes, and weak legs as my thoughts take me back to that cold, winter day.

After several hours of fun and laughter, we went inside to warm up. I stood over the old floor furnace, sipping hot cocoa, until the feeling returned to my fingers and toes. We ate grilled cheese sandwiches, dill pickles, and chips for lunch. I’m not sure if lunch was extra delicious or if I was really, really hungry, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a better grilled cheese sandwich in my entire life.

After resting up for an hour or so, I looked out the window and saw my cousin, Michael, who lived next door. I asked if I could go back outside and mom let me go. Michael and I built a small snowman in the yard, threw a few snowballs, and made snow angels. We walked up the street, making footprints in the snow.

Being adventurous children, we decided to walk up the hill at the end of the neighborhood and see what we could see from there. We failed to tell anyone where we were going. Having no concept of time, we continued to walk and explore a place we had never been before. Little did we know, our parents were searching everywhere for us. We were too far away to hear their frantic calls for us, nor had Michael and I heard the story of the old well that was on the other side of that hill somewhere.

Looking back, I can only imagine how our parents felt that snowy day when Michael and I didn’t return when they called for us. We were having a great time, not realizing the danger that could lie ahead. I now have a clearer understanding of God’s love and concern for His children.

When we selfishly live our life, doing what we want to do, with no regard for God, oblivious of His call, I’m sure He feels like our parents felt that day. We may wander far away from God, but He never stops calling for us to return to Him.

Michael and I began to get cold, tired, and hungry so we decided to head home. Thankfully, our story has a happy ending. Our parents were thrilled to see us coming down the road. We were greeted with warm hugs and big smiles. What a reunion we had on Forrest Avenue!

I remember the words to an old song, “I’ve wandered far away from God. Lord, I’m coming home. The paths of sin too long I’ve trod. Now, I’m coming home.” If you find yourself far from God, it’s never too late to return to His warm embrace. You will find Him waiting there for you, arms open wide.

About The Author Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.