Granddaughter Gemma will be four next month. Today she came home with me after her Friday morning at the library. We don't have to ask twice if she wants to come to Meema and Beepa's house. She helped Linda bake cookies, then it was time for hide and seek, her favorite game. She has a distinct advantage in that our house has far more hiding places for a little person than a big one. On the other hand, I have the advantage of the simplicity of a little child who when asked if she is in the closet or behind a chair, answers "No," in a tiny voice.
Whether she finds me or I find her, the joy is in the discovery. Prolonged hiding ceases to be fun. The little child cries out, longing to be found. It's a childish game, but also a life-reality. We all hide. We hide from others, not wanting them to see us as we really are. The teenage girl or young woman hides from the young man she really wants to impress, and the young man hides his fears beneath a veneer of bravado. The couple whose marriage is faltering hide from each other. And we all like Adam, hide from God.
But the reality is, we really want to be found. Remaining hidden means remaining in isolation, often in darkness, listening and hoping for those footsteps to come close, straining to hear those joyous words, "I've found you!" The anticipation of being found is the only joy to be had in hiding. Sitting in solitude only goes so far before fear and loneliness set in. We hide, but at the same time desperately hope that someone is seeking, whispering to ourselves, "Please, find me." That young girl or woman coyly plays hard to get, all the while praying to be found and chosen. The young man seemingly so tough and independent is desperate for the approval of the guys or the girl he's trying to impress. "Look at me!" is the cry of a lonely heart. "Please find me...the real me!" And the couple locked in a stalemated battle of silence fears that the other will stop seeking...and start looking elsewhere.
Nothing beats being found. The old hymn says it best. "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see." Amazing grace, indeed.
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