Four orphans, brothers and sisters, searched the world for happiness. Often they found a bit here and there, but nothing lasted. One day in a village café, their server placed a small package on the table. "This was left for you."

 

Wildly curious, the four tore it open. Inside were a map, compass, and note: You have been away many years now. I would like to see you. The map and compass will guide you to where I am. The note was signed simply, Daddy.

 

One sister scoffed. "What a cruel joke. We have no daddy." "You won't go?" asked a brother. "Of course not. He doesn't exist!" Despite her certainty, the others decided to investigate. As they set out, she called after them, "It's all rubbish!" And then, she was alone.

 

The map led to a cliff overlooking a wooded valley. Beyond, a blanket of blue mountains gently rolled far into the distance. One brother held up the map. "Here's a message--All you see is mine. If you look, you will find me." The words trailed down a hand-drawn cliff. He looked up and pointed to a narrow path.

 

"I'm not going down that," said the other brother. His sister studied the map. "It's the only way." "I'm sure there are others. And if not, I'll make my own." "But the compass points to the path." Her brother grew stubborn. As the last two set out, he yelled, "It's a waste of time." And then, he was afraid.

 

The way was long and difficult. They slid on rocks, stumbled over roots, and struggled down the steep path. Finally, weary and bruised, they entered the valley. Tall redwoods reached up to the sky. Crystal clear water flowed through the forest. Flowers and ferns adorned the landscape.

 

After several days the brother announced he was staying. His sister was stunned. "We're supposed to look for Daddy. See the map? The path continues." "I know," he said, "but it's so beautiful and I'm at peace here. It's the beauty and peace he wants us to have." As she set out, clutching the map and compass, the last brother shouted, "I feel I've found him." And then, he was empty.

 

The sister followed the path into the blue mountains. At times the way was easy, at others difficult, but always requiring effort. There were also others on the way, many needing help. She brought them food and water. She built them shelters and mended their clothes. She encouraged and comforted them.

 

In return, each shared stories of Daddy. Some told of his kindness and gentleness. Some of his grace and mercy. Some of his leadership and protection. The more she learned, the more she knew him.

 

One day, filled with warm thoughts of the land, people, and their stories, she took out the map to see where next she would go. But the old path had faded. A bolder one now appeared. She looked at the compass, its needle spinning in the case, and understood. As she set out, she smiled and whispered, "I will look for you every day, and every day I will discover you more." And then, she was happy.

 

You have a Heavenly Father and He wants you to know Him. In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). If you seek Him with all your heart and soul, you will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29). As we seek and search, we find and discover more of God--our Abba, our Father, our Daddy.

 

Seeking is never finished, finding never completed. May you never stop seeking Him. 

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