Once a month I drive 20 miles to visit my sister's RV camper which is parked forelornly in a storage lot waiting for my sister to return. I kick tires, check for invaders and assure "Belle" that she has not been forgotten. One year ago, my sister retired as  an educator, gave away most of her possessions, and moved her entire life into a 32 foot Winnepago camper. It had been a lifelong dream for her to travel the country, visiting nieces and nephews, and live with a carefree spirit. 

Only six months after she began her adventures, family needs invited her to postpone her dream and put Belle in storage for an unknown period of time. Without hesitation, she unselfishly embraced the change in direction and the detour to her plans. She lovingly embraced the new adventure and the unknown territory. I am so blessed and grateful for her choice.  Her willingness to serve has enabled me to embrace my own detour.

Recently our pastor shared a story about a man who had three sons. They had a close knit family but one by one each son went off to find his way in the world. Over time each got seduced by the glamour of the world and forgot about their loving home and father.  The father consulted a wise man to learn how he might get his sons to return to the love of the family. The holy man instructed him to bring to each boy something that would remind them of home and the love they shared. The father decided to bring a bowl of rice. When he found each boy, he placed a few grains of rice on his tongue.  As soon as the boy tasted the rice, scales fell from eyes. He recognized his folly, could hear the longing of his own heart for home, happiness, and love, and returned to the father.

I was struck by the central truth of this story. We forget the love of the father. We try to find our way without him and often get lost. How many of us have gotten distracted by the glitter and sparkle of this world. We get caught up in wanting to please others, in the desire to accumulate belongings or the plethera of options for food, drink, clothes, and activities. We get discouraged by the pain, hardships and struggles we face in our lives. We lose sight of our real home, heaven, and the Father who loves us.