But the ball turns up everywhere I look.
It was under the desk in the dining room. I could see it when I walked by. I whisked it out with a broom and put it in the toy basket near the front door.
Next day it was in my bedroom. I noticed its out-of-place pinkness under my brown wing back chair.
I tossed it with the blocks in the schoolroom.
Then it was on the sun porch. Jumbled with shoes that were under the swing.
I got tired of chasing the rubber ball so I threw it in the kitchen trash.
And this morning?
Resurrected.
It was at the bottom of our long, winding stairs.
This pink rubber ball has more return than a homing pigeon. So when I found it near the stairs, I palmed it. I headed out the door to toss it in the barrel by the garage.
But something stopped me in my tracks.
I've had some tough relational situations lately. I've messed up. I've lost control. But I've been bruised and broken and tossed around a bit, too.
The only solace I have is His Word. And in times of trouble it has returned to me.
Sometimes it's a verse that brings a gentle correction. I can take that. Sometimes there's comfort and promise and grace. I'm all about that, too.
But always, always, there's the truth and the faithfulness of the Lord.
When times are tough, I want to stand on what I know is true.
I want His Word to apply to the situations in my life.
And want it to come to me fast and faithful.
But it's a quirky reminder.
Read His Word. Know His Word. Put it in my head and let it trickle into my heart.
And His truth will be around every corner.
Even more steadfast than the returning rubber ball.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11