Table Salt: Not lost at all

On Friday evening we had been working outside when my in-laws stopped by. As usual, my father-in-law had pig ears for our pooch. Typically, our yellow lab, Honey, greets visitors with licks and tail wags. Looking around, Honey was nowhere to be found. We shook it off, assuming she was splashing in the creek or rolling in a cow patty. Calling for her, we anticipated her barreling around the corner at any moment, but she didn’t come. My husband got on the 4-wheeler and headed down the driveway calling out, “Honey, come.” Circling the fence line and field, she was nowhere to be found.

Time ticked by and we truly began to become worried. I decided to drive the country block as well as text our neighbors. Within a few minutes, we got responses that others were looking as well. On the road, I passed our neighbor, who also went for a drive to help us find Honey. Searching, calling, and alerting others of the distress, left us still coming up empty handed. I went back home and along the driveway, I met my daughter, who was in a puddle of tears. When my family gathered back in the kitchen, we felt worried that Honey was further away than we could reach her. It only took a minute for my husband to think about checking the livestock feeding area. We had been cleaning the pen and thought maybe she was trapped. No luck. More tears. Fears and what ifs flooded in. Our daughters were besides themselves.

Standing back in our home, we all tossed out ideas. Suddenly, a light bulb went off. “Is she in the barn where firewood is stored?” I asked my family, as I had just brought a load of firewood in shortly before we realized the pooch was missing. Our youngest daughter took off, no coat, running. Within seconds Honey came racing towards the house with our daughters right behind her. Eyes red and smiles wide, we were all relieved. Honey got her pig ear and relished in the sweet reunion.

We looked all over, we called everyone in the area, we went to social media, we became full of fear and doubt. However, Honey was right in our presence the entire time, she wasn’t lost at all. We were filled with worry, negative thoughts and preparing for the worst.

In our spiritual lives we allow our thoughts to spiral out of control, the same way we did when Honey was missing. We look for something, searching high and low, dragging other people into our chaos, only to come up empty handed. We rush from place to place, call the next listening ear, and jumping to conclusions. When you feel like you’re stuck, angry, or hurting, press pause. Be still. Calm your mind, retrace your steps, whisper a prayer. God’s goodness is in your presence at all times. It’s right under your nose. Don’t be quick to run away looking for what’s missing in your life. Don’t hide your fear and struggles in the barn. When trouble strikes and your purpose feels missing, open the door to your heart and allow God to bring light into the darkest corners. God’s goodness is never down the road, it lives within you, it’s right inside the barn door to your soul.

 “I will bring you into a land flowing with milk and honey.” Joshua 5:6.

In the Bible Honey represents sweetness and joy that comes from walking closely with God. In the Old Testament, the land flowing with milk and honey signifies abundance and prosperity. God wants His people to flourish. Blessings come when you remain calm in the chaos, trusting in the Lord and living according to His ways.

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com

Or Mail:

Tippecanoe Gazette

Attn: Ashley Spring McCarroll

PO Box 84

Tipp City, Ohio 45371