February 18, 2025 The Missing Leaf

February 18, 2025
The Missing Leaf
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

     Living in North Texas Fall or Autumn seems non-existent. The leaves on the trees change, but it is usually in late November. Before moving to North Texas, I had the privilege of living in places where the changing seasons were noticed and welcomed – fall was one of my favorite seasons because of the crisp autumn temperatures that would result in magnificent changing colors of the leaves year after year. I especially loved how the cool breeze would playfully rustle the trees as the leaves fell to the ground.

I would often rake up the leaves into a big pile, then search for the most brilliant colored leaf. My eyes were usually drawn to finding a vibrant orange, or a brilliant red leaf, even though each beautifully colored leaf told a unique story of the changing season. Often, after raking the leaves the wind would pick up, and the leaves on the top would be whisked away into the air. I’d follow the dancing of the leaves to see if they’d land close by or continue flowing with the whispers of the wind. One time the gust was so strong it took the one leaf I had in my hand away. Like a child I ran after it, determined to find the brilliantly colored leaf among the thousand now blowing around. Yes, it was rather childish because there were so many leaves to choose from, but the color of this particular leave captured my attention. So, I continued searching.

In many ways, this is how God sees each one of us. Out of all the people in the world, God seeks and values every person. We are all unique in God’s eye. When we wander, God doesn’t say, “I have plenty of other beautiful people.” Instead, God searches for us, determined to bring us back into his fold.

Reflection:

• Have you ever felt lost – physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
• How does it feel to know that God seeks after you, no matter where you are?
• Sit with your thoughts today.