Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.      -Heb 4:16

When my daughter Emily was four years old, I took her to a large department store. Just inside the front door was a scale, the kind you stand on, drop a penny in the slot and a little card scoots out with your weight printed on it. Emily was fascinated with the scale and asked me to weigh her on it. She hopped up on the platform, I dropped in a coin, and Emily grabbed the card as it popped out.

Emily was happily clutching the card as we headed down the aisle to attend to the shopping. I was studying the list I'd made and looking at the merchandise on display, assuming that Emily was following me. I was in the middle of the store when I realized she was nowhere in sight. Anxiety turned to panic as I dashed up and down the aisles looking for her. Two clerks joined in the search, but I didn't find Emily until I headed toward the front of the store. There she sat on the platform of the scale. She saw me and ran to hug me around the knees.

"I couldn't find you," she said, "and I got scared. Then I remembered the door we came in. I knew you wouldn't go home without me. You love me, and you'd never leave me alone."

Lord, when I've strayed and can't find my way, let me remember where I can always meet You -- on my knees.      -Drue Duke