As a shepherd seeks a lost sheep,
so God seeks and saves the lost.
Like a woman who searches for a lost coin until it is found,
so God rejoices over one soul restored to wholeness.
As a father receives a returning wayward child,
so God welcomes us, and lets the past be the past.
Therefore let us praise God with thanksgiving
that we are accepted.
And let us receive and welcome one another
in the name of Christ.
Photo of tire tracks left off the pavement on snow-covered grass by some who recently went astray, probably just for the adventure.