Two summers ago there was a binge of rock hiding in my town. Parents and children would paint small rocks to look like flowers, or animals, or rainbows, and tuck them beside a bush. Then when other small kids and their moms went on a ramble, they would discover them. And be glad. 

 

My girls are older, so it was not part of our routine to go poking. But the delight spread even to those of us on the sidelines. It is charming to think of three year olds bending, looking closely, believing that there are treasures to be found. Many were rewarded. 

 

The skill of searching can be life saving. Some of the most exhilarating moments in a good film are when the beloved child is found. I watched one this week and teared up, even though it was not real. 

Those of us who are not likely to be misplaced can unearth evidence of kindness too. This year there was an omelette business that donated a few each week to people who needed some edible kindness. It was a complete joy to deliver them. On other days crews showed up to spruce up the yards of people bending under the demands on their time and energy. For the first half of this year eighteen couples showed up to mentor younger ones, just for the sheer pleasure those connections afforded. Next February there will be a conference to celebrate marriage, and already friends are offering to serve. 

 

Looking for signs of love in subtle place can bring us back from a different kind of lostness.