The Lost Necklace

The necklace—a special birthday gift last year, which has become my daily connection with my 7 grandchildren.

Seven birthday crystals, one for each precious life, encased in a silver heart.

And a butterfly to hold near the one who has left us.

This necklace, this beautiful, precious, tangible connection, was lost.

We searched high and low–crawling on the floor, moving furniture, shining a light into the sink drain.

I blamed the cat.

The necklace was simply not here. Not in the box where I always kept it safe. Not anywhere. Gone.

Tears filled my eyes. There was a new crack in my fragile heart.

I told myself, “It was only a necklace.” But it was more than that to me.

A gift given in love. A touchable connection to the young ones I love so much.

I couldn’t think of anything else.

Something I treasured. Simply not here.

Gone from my sight.

“What woman, having 10 silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Jesus words, as quoted in Luke 15:8-10)

One night in Bethlehem, Jesus came into this world. He came for us. For you. For me. (Wait…stop a quick minute! Let that sink in. He came for US!)

And this was so important that the angels broke out in worship, singing loudly over that sheep-field…The shepherds shared that song with Mary. Mary told Luke. And Luke wrote it down for us:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among those with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)

Well, eventually I found my lost necklace, safely tucked away. My heart sang. My husband, my family and my friends rejoiced with me!

And I got to thinking, if we can be heartbroken over a lost necklace or a lost coin, how must Jesus’ heart ache over those lost ones He loves so much?

Jesus is gathering his coins for His Kingdom. Some are missing. He is searching diligently. His heart is breaking for the lost coins. The last coin.

The light is lit. The angels are ready and waiting to rejoice!

This is important. He came for you. He loves you so much.

Come to Jesus.