I’ve been listening to someone recently describing a long, hard, yet satisfying journey back to a stable life after years being Lost. I’m coming to realize optimism for this situation can be a courageous thing when it’s not naïve.
Life’s distractions can lead us far away from what keeps us grounded and connected to real people, real stability, real love for self and others. All that is good can vanish in a cloud of pride, selfish love, and idols of our own or the world’s making. Either way there is a choice made, then another, and soon we disappear and become Lost.
The fog that covers the eyes, mind, and soul makes everything seem wonderful. All seems under the illusion of control, until one day a bigger reality gives a hard whack between the eyes. Suddenly it’s painfully clear the mirage is gone. You are Lost at sea of sand, all alone. Or at least it seems alone.
Even the feeling of being alone to a Lost person is an illusion. That was part of the distraction and lure of the idols that coaxed people away from a Found way of life. One by one, a Found person can make small decisions that make is easier and more justified to slip away into a counterfeit world. Fortunately, even Lost people can eventually pick up clues of each counterfeit thing until it all falls apart.
At that point, it may look like the Lost world is falling apart. In reality, the Found world is falling back into place. A soul is slowly being healed and restored.
Life is a team sport. Keep a beacon of hope lit to help the Lost find home.