On October 25, 1997, the Governor of Colorado, Roy Romer, declared a State of Emergency to bring aid to the snowbound citizens of his state. With whiteout conditions continuing for several days the snow and icy winds made it illegal to operate motor vehicles on public streets. There were snow drifts up to 20 feet in places, and wind gusts that reached up to 50 mph. Wind chill factors dropped to 25 degrees below zero. The Army brought in over 40 Humvees (all terrain vehicles) to assist in the search and rescue of those stranded. Fire Stations and Malls became shelters for the stranded motorists being rescued. Schools and businesses were closed, not even the snow plows were running. The storm was said to be one of the worst of this century.

At our home 8 foot snow drifts were piled up against the house and almost completely covered our cars. We had never seen a blizzard like this before (and this was in mid October). We could hear the faint meowing of our cat somewhere out there under several feet of snow. We later discovered that she was stuck in the window well of our basement. Our son was able to rescue her by opening his window and letting her in. She was mighty grateful, although a little confused and disoriented. A little while later we heard what sounded like a bird trying to fly around inside our wood stove insert. It must've fallen down the chimney. After figuring out how to dismantle the stove insert we were able to rescue the bird who was totally exhausted but in good shape. A bit frightened and cold the bird had suffered a broken beak. As we set him down outside, in a few minutes he flew to the safety of a nearby tree for shelter.

This experience later made me think of the scripture I had been reading in Luke 12:6-7. "What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Not much more than that. Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And he knows the number of hairs on your head! Never fear, you are far more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows" (LB).

When someone is valued they are considered as highly regarded and much esteemed. They are prized, significant and treasured. Have you ever considered the value that God has placed on you? In the Bible God tells us we are offered redemption through Jesus' blood. That means God offers to rescue us from the penalty of our sins because He values us. Read it for yourself in Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:8 and John 3:17.

Jesus one time illustrated this truth by telling this story: A woman had ten valuable silver coins and lost one. She wouldn't rest until she had lit a lamp and looked in every corner of her house. As she sweep every nook and cranny of the house she finally found it. She then called her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her.

Jesus said that in the same way the woman rejoiced with her friends over finding the valuable coin, that God, the Heavenly Father rejoices (in the presence of the angels) over one person who was lost and is found (Luke 15:8-10).

Could this be true of you and me, the possibility of us being lost? Have you considered turning or returning to the Father who loves you? He is looking for you and you are valuable in His sight. "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

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(Tract No. 34 by Don and Wendy Krow)