It Was There All Along

Getting ready for our big United Kingdom adventure, I bought myself a sturdy suitcase — one that could survive the bumps, bruises, and “flying lessons” of baggage claim.

Feeling quite accomplished, I packed it full — and then decided to do the responsible thing — register it. Easy enough, right? Well — not quite!.

The form asked for a number “inside the suitcase.” OH NO!
My neatly packed suitcase? Emptied. Clothes everywhere. Oh me. So I did what any slightly frustrated traveler would do — I sent an online message. No response. Then I emailed the company the next day.

And then — the answer came. “Rub the label against the label behind it. The number is hidden behind it.” Wait — what? Two labels?

I tried it — and there it was. The number had been there all along. I just didn’t know how to see it. And isn’t that just like us?

We search. We strive. We sigh. “All I need is an answer, Lord!” And He gently speaks: “Seek — and you will find. Knock — and the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)

Sometimes the answer isn’t missing — it’s just hidden beneath the surface, waiting for us to pause, ask, and look again.

How wonderful to know that God isn’t playing hide-and-seek with our lives. He’s inviting us closer. “Come to me — all who are worry and burdened — and I will give you rest!” (Matthew 11:28)

So when you (and me) feel like we’ve come up empty — let’s press on — never give up! Lean in. Ask again. Trust Him.

Because more often than not, like that tag I couldn’t find — the answer was there all along!

#LuggageTag #seekandfind #nevergiveup