Three Little Pigs

It's something that seniors spend weeks developing, something that administrators spend way too much time trying to intercept (always to no avail), and something that underclassmen anxiously anticipate with the end of the year. It's the senior class prank.

Okay, I admit that us riding bikes and scooters to school was rather wimpy. Hey, at least we kept it legal and had a greater following than the Class of 2011's flash mob! We had fun, played it safe and kept the principal happy... at least for the most part.

But nothing could top the three little pigs story.

Years ago, there was a graduating class that got a hold of three pigs and somehow managed to get them into school without being caught. They labeled the pigs "1, 2 and 4" and let them run loose in the building.

Needless to say, a great deal of time was wasted searching for pig #3. The seniors, nevertheless, were more than amused.

Teachers and staff expected to find four pigs because they were tricked by the students into thinking such was the case. I can only imagine the frustration in looking for something for so long and then realizing later that what they were searching for never existed. It didn't even matter how far or wide or high or low anyone looked, the cause was lost.

The world easily tricks us into thinking that we can find in things or people what only God is able to give. Looking to the world to meet our deepest needs or fill our deepest desires is a fool's errand. Doing so leaves us feeling even more lost, confused, dissatisfied and incomplete than we were before.

We lose energy, money and time in constantly searching for cures to our loneliness, sadness and pain. That's how addictions start-- drugs so we feel better, alcohol so we forget, pornography so our lusts are satisfied, I could go on.

Likewise, we lose purity, trust and faith in constantly turning to others for love and encouragement. That's how good relationships become destroyed and unhealthy relationships get started-- husbands are caught cheating on their wives, teenagers find themselves being sexually abused, girls let their boyfriends beat them, and parent-child interactions practically cease to exist.

What is it you are looking for in life? Chances are, it's something. Where is it you have been searching? Chances are you've had no luck looking around you, so how about looking up? 

You will find everything you will ever need in Him. He has more than enough to give, and He does so freely and fully. Are you feeling unwanted? He will love you. Are you sad? He has happiness. Are you lonely? He has comfort. Are you scared? He says "don't be." Are you worried? He has peace. Are you hurting? He can heal. Are you broken? He's got glue. Are you burdened? He will give you rest.

The pureness, wholeness, and richness of His gifts cannot be found in any person or thing of this earth, so don't bother wasting your time in pursuit. Go to God. He's only a prayer away and a blessing ahead.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.    Jeremiah 29:13

There's good news for you, and that is God exists. He waits patiently, holding out hope you will find Him. When you do choose to seek Him first, you don't ever have to face the frustration of realizing later on that you wasted your life searching for pig #3.

And that, my friend, is a great feeling.

-Rachel