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Sunday Devotion VI - Jonny and the trip to Sears

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cornerstone Business Group Inc 0225086119

Luke 19.10 "For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost." (Message Translation)


When I was a young man, I often thought about what it would be like to have kids.  I could envision two little kids, one boy and one girl, running around our house (it didn't actually end up that way).  After I got married, my wife and I went seven years before our first son was born.  People constantly asked if we were ever going to have kids to which I always replied, "We're still practicing."

Well, seven years into a pretty fun marriage a little blue smurf looking creature showed up.  Thankfully, he eventually turned flesh colored, and the hospital let us take him home.  Shew!  I wondered how I was going to explain the blue boy when I went out shopping with him.

He was a beautiful, blue eyed, blonde-haired dynamo that kept us really busy.  Jonathan was full of energy and always exploring.  Today, some might say he was hyperactive.  Then, one of our friends said it best, "He has a lot to do."  Well, he's still busy, but it's always with good things.

Jonny, was my tool boy.  He loved tools.  He loved to touch them, look at them and he loved to see what they could do.  One of our Saturday morning rituals was to go to breakfast, and then Jonny and I would go to Sears to look at tools.  It was like going to Disney World for him.

One Saturday when he was about 2 and a half, we were at Sears looking at tools.  Jonny was on one side of a table saw, and I was on the other side.  I turned my head for a second, and when I looked back, he was gone.  I looked down the isle, and no Jonny.  I went up and down the isles, and still, no Jonny. 

I started to panic.  I could feel my heart racing, and sweat was beginning to show on my face.  I ran up and down the isles a couple of times.  No Jonny.  Finally, on my third trip up and down the isles, I came around a corner and there was a small crowd.

In the middle of the crowd was Jonny.  He was having a good time talking to the small group who were wondering why a lone two and half year old was wandering around Sears.  I ran up and grabbed him and off we went.  I realized in that moment how God must feel when one of His children are lost.  My heart was overwhelmed with the horror of what could have been, and I couldn't imagine the outcome of never finding him.  It was traumatic in those moments. 

God will search the ends of the earth to find one of His lost sons or daughters.  The trauma of seeing His creation enter into eternity without a relationship with Him must be heart-rending.  I know the two or three minutes in Sears neary did me in.  Multiply that by millions.

 

Comments (13)

Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Multiplied by millions...how sobering knowing many are living a Christless life and will be separated from God for eternity.  All the more reason to share our faith and testimony with others...all is not lost yet Mike!

Nov 27, 2011 12:17 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Agreed, Anita.  It's what keeps me sharing.  Have a great Sunday.

Nov 27, 2011 12:24 AM
Tammy Emineth
Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing - Frenchtown, MT
Content Marketer, SEO Teacher, Website Fixer

It's amazing how many realities we compare with how God sees us once we become a parent. I get a lot of lessons from God now that I am one. I hope that I can see His lost children as He does and share when the spirit gives me boldness. Have a blessed Sunday Mike!!

Nov 27, 2011 12:31 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

That is so true, Tammy.  Having children opens up a whole new world of understanding.  Have a grear Sunday!

Nov 27, 2011 12:43 AM
Bud & Beth McKinney
RE/MAX UNITED - Cary, NC
Cary/Raleigh/Apex NC - The Team That Cares, RE/MAX United

Oh gosh Mike you had me hanging on there -- a wonderful sharing of love and it looks like there is another one in your life now too.   And as a grandparent one day, you will realize EVEN MORE how awesome the gift from GOD is.  Have a great day and thanks for sharing.

Nov 27, 2011 01:07 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, B & B.  Have a great Sunday!!

Nov 27, 2011 01:10 AM
Debbie Holmes
John L. Scott - Boise, ID
Gets the job done!

It is scary when a toddler disappears...  I have had the experience (especially with my oldest son)....Shopping was often a traumatic experience until kindergarten started....

Nov 27, 2011 02:46 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

It is scary, Debbie.  I see why parents use those leashes.  8-)

Nov 27, 2011 02:56 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Good morning Mike,

Multiplied by millions, so sad...beautiful (scary) story, and one that many parents, I am sure, have also gone through.  Thank you for sharing - and the lovely family photos!  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Nov 27, 2011 03:50 AM
Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

Mike - very poignant how you tied the story of your son getting lost in Sears and who God feels when we are lost. December 12, 1998 I was drinking to escape everything and hit bottom - I was a shell of the person I'd once been and my life revolved around alcohol. I knew it was a real serious problem, yet couldn't stop.

A strong willpower, which I'm known for didn't work! Finally I knew where to turn and on my knees, asked God to help me get sober. That night I went to detox and never looked back. Only by God's grace will I celebrate 13 years of sobriety. I now live a life I could never have dream of. I have a wonderful husband and son, a warm, beautiful home, travel, a job I love and most important, the ability to give back and help others in AA who are trying to get sober.  God is and will continue to be at the center of my life!

Nov 27, 2011 04:38 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, Lisa. 

Kristine, thanks for sharing your story.  I know that life well.  Congratulations on 13 years!  What a difference a prayer makes.  8-)

Nov 27, 2011 05:10 AM
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

Mike, that is a great story that illustrates God's love for us.

Nov 27, 2011 09:37 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, Mike.  Have a great week!

Nov 27, 2011 09:45 AM