When something is lost, your value for that thing determines the urgency of the search. If you lose something that you don’t really care about, it’s an easy come, easy go type situation, so might not look very hard.

Earlier this month I lost a crab trap on the opening weekend of the Dungeness Crab season. Normally I set crab traps by dropping them off of an SUP, a stand up paddleboard. I looked and searched, but the winds were extremely strong and getting back to shore was becoming a problem. The farther out I paddled at Doran Beach near Bodega Bay, the more difficult it became to get it in.

The wind was pushing me out (to sea) at about 3 mph without even paddling. To get back in, I had to lay down to become more aerodynamic and arm paddle. It was getting late in the afternoon, and the sun was starting to set, but I was thinking about the fat Dungeness crabs that were probably in my trap, plus the hassle of replacing it if it was lost.

Finally, after paddling all over Doran Beach, I decided to give it a rest. The fog was rolling in, and it simply wasn’t worth being out in the ocean in the dark to find it. I also didn’t like the idea not seeing the beach and getting lost myself in the process of trying to find a crab trab. So I decided to just go in and possibly look another time. It wasn’t worth the risk.

[Incidentally, If you’re ever out there, the buoy that’s connected to the trap has Barbie & Disney Princess stickers all over it, as well as some Sharpie designs by my daughter Phebe just so no one could ever possibly mistake it as theirs. It also has my name and phone number on it, so call me, okay?]

Here’s the difference. If my son was lost out in the midst of rough seas –  If he had drifted too far and gotten lost –  I can assure you that I would have spent the entire night and more in the ocean if necessary looking for him. Sharks? Who cares. Hypothermia? I’ll just keep moving. Fatigue? What fatigue. I would press myself passed the point of exhaustion to find him. Whatever it takes.

A crab trap isn’t worth that effort. But my son is worth laying down my life. It’s value that motivates search. That’s why Jesus became a man, sought for us, and laid down his life for us that we might live. That’s how valuable you are to Him.

Luke 19:10 – ¹⁰ for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Our God is a seeking God. His love for you is inexhaustible, and He is seeking after you for your whole life. Nothing you’ve done can change how valuable you are to Him. Maybe you’re lost and you don’t even realize it. It’s time for a new beginning. Turn to Jesus and allow the angels of heaven to celebrate.

Luke 15:10 There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents [turns].”