Out of state and at a zoo with my family I found myself lost. I was seven or eight years old and I had gotten distracted by a monkey exhibit. I still remember placing my small hand over the mold of a monkey’s hand in comparison. Then for some reason I thought I saw my mom walk off. I started following feet I thought were hers. By the time I looked up, there were no familiar faces and the world looked so big and I knew then that I was utterly lost. I found a mom and told her that I was lost and she brought me to a zoo employee. Before I was aware my parents had alerted the zoo and the whole place was put in lockdown. No one being able to get in or out. Meanwhile, I was driving on some sort of golf kart with one of the employees there searching for a familiar face. Then the moment came, I remember looking up and seeing my grandpa. Suddenly, I knew I would be okay. I don’t recall everything about that day as I was young. I do remember sobbing asking my grandpa why he had left me. He broke down in tears crying that he never left me and he never would. This memory would stay etched in our hearts forever. I remember when I saw my mom I told her I just wanted to go home. Though I may not remember every detail, this memory won’t soon be forgotten. My grandpa, my mom, my family they didn’t walk away from me. I walked away from them by being distracted and not being intentional on following the right steps. I am grateful that God brought me safely in the arms of those who loved me most. Friend, it got me thinking, sometimes we too find ourselves lost and away from God. Though it isn’t Him who leaves us. It is us who leaves Him. Distracted by sin or worldly pleasure or selfishness. Not living life intentional on following God. We don’t follow His leading; we follow steps that lead us from Him. Though the beauty in it is God is always there waiting for us to come back home to Him. If we ask Him, “God, why did you leave me?” His answer would be the same, that He never did. How blessed are we that no matter how far we walk off, how far we go, God is always there reaching out for us. May we always stay in step with Him. For a heart that doesn’t wander from the Father, is a heart that is always home.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Stay in step with God

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”