Marked

Have you ever been identified in a crowd? With hundreds of people around, maybe at a mall or large public event, and someone starts screaming your name as loud as they possibly can. The natural reaction is to look around and ask "who is calling my name?" The next thing, at least for me, is to start rattling off all of the possibilities of who it could be. The list goes on and on, until the voice catches up with the face. And bang. . . there they are staring you in the face. There you are standing there in exhilaration, with the realization that you have re-united with a deal old friend. There are hugs or warm embraces in the crowd of hundreds.

The question that comes to mind is, "how did they find me in that crowd?" I, as a child, would become separated from my parents and wander off to explore the zoo or fair on my own. I would quickly become separated and blend in with the hundreds of people. Oblivious to the fact that my parents were calling my name and worried sick that I was hurt or in danger. What is a parent to do? I, in the mean time was enjoying my day, and was not concerned that my parents were gone. They would find me. They always did. I learned, albeit not quickly, that if I was lost I needed to be found. I learned to go to Lost and Found, because that where they gave out the free treats. And there I would be when my parents found me, sitting with a sucker and smile.

The title for this blog, Phocid, which means ear less seal. As Christians, when we choose to accept Christ as or Lord and Savior in our hearts, we become marked or 'sealed.' This means that we have found our father and that we are no longer lost from knowing his love for us. Through this connection we can truly understand the love that Our Lord has for us. Our father will always be with us and calling our name. If we happen to wander from that connection, God will be calling our name and finding ways of getting our attention. God always finds interesting ways of getting our attention.

During this Christmas season, rejoice in the memories of family and friends, laugh with the kids as they open their toys, and continually remind yourself of the reason for the season. Also, it is OK to get lost in the spirit of the season. Watch the old Christmas movies: Holiday Hotel, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story and Its A Wonderful Life. Try to avoid the "new" Christmas movies that are brightly wrapping a big hunk of coal.

Have you ever got lost and needed to be found?