Search Party

My husband is part of a small local soccer group.

Last summer they planned a picnic at the beach for the team and their families. We live an hour away from the beach, and being from the Caribbean, the thought of going to the beach filled me with excitement because it reminded me of my homeland.

Almost as soon as we arrived, the children wanted to get into the water. So, under the watchful eyes of my husband and me, our sons, six and two years old, headed for the water. The beach was very crowded. My husband and I soon began talking with other parents who were also watching their children. As we visited with one of the mothers, I looked up and could not find my oldest son. “Where’s Chalum?” I asked my husband.

We both looked around but did not see him.

He was not in the water or on the sand with the other kids.

Frantic, I rushed to our vehicle, hoping he had gone back to it.

He was nowhere to be found. Hurrying back to the water, I called his name, fearing he may have been carried away by the waves. Panic set in as other members of our group came to ask how they could help. Soon small search parties were formed, and people went in every direction searching for Chalum. I knelt on the beach, paralyzed with fear, holding my younger son, praying to God to help us find Chalum. A few minutes later, someone cried, “They found him!” And there he was, emerging from the crowd, holding the hand of one of the men who had found him. What a relief! Still on my knees in the sand, I thanked God with all my heart.

Sisters, that experience makes me think of the Savior who came as part of a search party to this world to look for you and me. Jesus Christ came to seek and save all who are hurting and dying without hope. I imagine God the Father as the head organizer of the search party. I see Jesus Christ, who went to Calvary’s cross to redeem us.

I see the Holy Spirit calling us, wooing us, and leading us into God’s unfathomable love. The angels, too, cooperate with Heaven to aid us on our journey home.

And once we have been rescued, we become part of a search party that seeks for the lost and helps guide them to safety.

Sacha Clarke