In reading community news this morning, the first thing to meet my eyes was an article about a pig that had been found. Some of the descriptors used about the pig were: “cute”, “a happy, gentle little fella”, “well-groomed”, “eating pecan halves and watermelon rinds”, “didn’t care for veggies, but when it came to caramel corn he couldn’t get it fast enough”, and my personal favorite: “manicured hooves”.

The article pleaded for direction on how to find the owner of said porcine because it was “obviously someone’s pet.” The finder tried to keep the pig safe and out of the street by putting it in her garage while she pondered and inquired as to what to do, but the pent-up pork had no joy in that accommodation so proceeded to bang its head against a wall. Animal Control was elusive and not answering calls. Police were decidedly against answering a call to nature (at least this call).

Lots of commenters shared concern and/or criticism, made suggestions and inquiries, and a few dedicated souls even offered to go pick up Porky and foster him until a more suitable option became available.

One might expect this, or at least not be surprised at the news of a lost pig, if one were in the country or near farmland. The story becomes more interesting when you learn that this was inside a popular, urban area in Atlanta, GA.

As of last night, the little piggy is still crying wee, wee, wee, as it waits to go home, but is safe in the care of Animal Control.

Have you ever been like dear Porky? You wandered away, or were put out, and can’t find the way home. You meet a few kind souls, so you visit a while, but then you feel trapped in your surroundings – like you are banging your head against a wall. Some nice things seem to come easy, like pecans and caramel corn. However, when those things fade, you feel yourself full of a hunger that isn’t being quenched, and no one seems to know how to direct you or help you. Some try, but there is no real belonging for you out there.

Jesus cares. We have a permanent, wonderful home with Him. He loves us, knows how to nourish us in such a way that we will never be hungry again. “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

When we wander away from the safe refuge and strong tower that Jesus is for us, He goes looking for us! (Luke 15:4-7) He doesn’t want us out “eating with the pigs”, but sometimes we have to find out for ourselves that all the caramel corn in the world doesn’t satisfy. (Luke 15:11-20)

And when He finds us, or we find our way home, WHAT A PARTY HE THROWS! Jesus says, “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous that do not need to”. (Luke 15:7)

Whether you have been out of the close care of Jesus for a short while, or for so long that you forgot what it feels like to be fully known and still fully loved, come back to the Father! He is watching and waiting for you to decide you have had enough and to come home. His arms are open wide ready to receive you!