Doug and I have travelled to Israel several times. We enjoy visiting a jeweler in the Christian Quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. They do beautiful work. We have purchased many Jerusalem cross necklaces and earrings from these dear men.
I am one of those odd women who believe you are never fully dressed without your earrings! One of my favorite pair of earrings are gold Jerusalem crosses with my birthstone in the center. I forgot to remove them once while swimming in a large indoor pool.
I gently pulled on my earlobes and noticed that one of them was missing. Trained as a lifeguard, I began the search and rescue mission. I walked around the edge of the pool and then spotted it – a small shiny, gold object – about two feet from the drain. Next steps involved a little bit of strategic thinking. I needed to gently approach the earring without creating too many waves. I gently entered the water on the far end of the pool and swam underwater very gently toward the drain. I reached down and was able to grab it with my fingers. When I came up, I was overjoyed! My earring was no longer lost, but found!
This weekend we will be enjoying one of Jesus’ parables, “The Woman with the Lost Coin.” Like all good jokes, parables do have a point, or a punchline. You either “get it” or you don’t. As a preacher, I pray that you will “get it” and fully understand the joy of being found by a God who deeply loves you, even when you are circling the drain! We have a God who does jump in to rescue us, pull us to safety, and rejoices with us.
May God richly bless you this weekend. I look forward to seeing you, your friends, and your family!
Peace,
Pastor Cathy