Have you ever lost something and it took a while before you realized it was not in your possession?

A couple weeks ago, my husband and I stayed at a hotel out of town. In addition to my regular glasses—which are black—I also took my red ones because I couldn’t decide which pair I wanted to wear to a special event. Once I’d gotten dressed, I realized that the black pair was a better match with my outfit.

One week later, I opened the drawer where my red glasses are normally stored and to my surprise, they weren't there. My mind went back to the last time I’d seen them—in the hotel when I got dressed to go out. Oh no, my glasses were left in another city more than an hour away.

Immediately, I called the hotel, told them my red glasses were in a black Coach case, and asked if anyone had found them. Ten minutes later, someone called to say, “We have your glasses.” I was so excited I shouted on the phone.

When I arrived at the hotel, the front desk clerk asked, are you Julia Bolden? "Yes", I replied joyfully. She laughed and said, "I just had to see the person who shouted on the phone when I told them I had the glasses…." In my same shout-voice, I exclaimed, "I am she!!!"

My story reminds me of the Bible story (Luke 15:8-10) where the woman lost her coin and called her friends to rejoice once she’d found it. The Bible goes on to say, “Likewise, there is joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who repents.”

I would not have been surprised if my glasses weren't recovered. Truth is—I almost didn’t call because a part of me thought they were gone forever. Not calling to check would’ve been a mistake.

While my glasses aren't as imporant as a sinner's repentance, I was really happy to get them back.

This life-lesson urges me to keep searching for things that appear to be lost. Even when it seems like something is no longer retrievable, it might not be gone forever.

Lost people, lost causes, and lost items deserve to be reclaimed. Like my glasses, they're probably waiting for someone who wants it enough to come back. Today, I rejoice!