“Parents, don’t
lose hope, your children will return to places of peace and safety.” ~ Jeremiah
31:17
Gwendolyn sat quietly on concrete steps that were damp from
the morning rain. Her arms wrapped tightly around knocking knees, trying to summon
energy for today’s mission.
She’d been hanging around this runaway teen shelter for
five consecutive nights, in search of any news about her sixteen-year-old daughter.
Unfortunately, shelters like this exist to help kids, not parents, so they
couldn't tell Gwen if Melanie was, or had been, there.
If only. If only… they had done things differently!
Gwen’s family appeared to be "normal.” Their only
daughter was involved in many activities and had a lot of friends. Without
warning, Melanie was devastated by a double whammy when her parents divorced
and her Mom decided to move them away from her Dad. The adults had become so
polarized with each other that Melanie chose to live on her own.
So, nine months ago, she ran... scared, confused, angry, and disillusioned.
Now, both parents take turns searching under bridges,
inside tunnels, near homeless shelters, and places frequented by whores and
drug addicts for their child.
Most walk on by, a few nod horizontally after glancing at
the photo. All have strong reactions, which blend both sorrow and distance –
sad for a grieving mother, yet grateful it's not their child.
As nightfall claims the overhead skies, Gwen heads for home,
every step lacking hope and resolve. Every glimmer of potential she felt
earlier today has leaked away.
Like so many moms, Gwen struggles to accept that her child ran
away. She fears what dangers young runaways like Melanie may face. Nearly 1 in
5 engage in “survival sex” – pimping themselves for a hot meal, a bed to sleep
in, drugs, or money. Teenagers and young adults. Girls and boys.
If only… she had the chance to apologize for being selfish
and insensitive. She torments herself for failing as a mother and silently begs
for a chance to reunite.
Gwen desperately wants Melanie to know that she and her Dad
both love her very much, that they miss her, that each will try harder, and
that their doors remain open anytime.
As she pulled into the driveway, she noticed a light on in
the family room. When she opened the door, her heart soared. Melanie lay asleep
on the couch. She pulled a blanket from the closet and, feeling more love than
she ever thought possible, placed it gently over her child.
She'd come home! Whatever forgiveness is, it entered their
lives today," she thinks.
Heavenly Father, we know that no matter how
far away our children run, You can always reach them. No matter how difficult the
wayward child’s situation, I pray for your persuasive power to draw them close
to You. Amen
