READY OR NOT: What Hide-and-Seek with My Grandbabies Taught Me About Finding God
God sent His rainbow as a promise, so His children wouldn’t fear.
"7, 8, 9, 10! Ready or not—here I come!" my grandbabies yell in unison.
And so it begins—another round of hide-and-seek in a tiny home with few hiding places.
Little footsteps running down the hall are my cue to duck behind the bedroom door, allowing my sneakers to show.
Through the crack, I see them run past me into the other room and clear my throat loudly. "Ahem! Ahem!" They stop and listen.
Good. I don't want my loves to search too hard. I want them to find me.
In a whoosh, the door swings open, revealing two beaming faces. "Aw, man! You found me!" I pretend to mope, but I'm smiling inside.
"Our turn! Our turn!" They scurry off into the shadows.
" Apple, peaches, pumpkin pie, who's not ready? Holler, I!"
"Where are they?" I wonder out loud, stomping past thin curtains that move with their giggles and wiggles.
One day, the littlest couldn't stand the excitement anymore. "Here I am!" she yelled, running out into the open before the game ended.
She learned the best part of hide-and-seek isn't hiding; it's being found by someone you love.
Playing this child's game has taught this old grandma a thing or two about hiding from and seeking my God.
Since Eden, we tend to hide from God, though He sees through our false bravado and pasted-on smiles.
God knows exactly where we are and calls out for us to find Him, ready or not.
"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jer 29:13
Yet God's not really hidden from us because He wants to reveal Himself.
This divinely designed version of hide-and-seek doesn't separate you from His love. Instead, it brings you and God together.
As you read the Bible, listen for His footsteps, and call out to Jesus, something extraordinary happens.
You can't stand the excitement anymore.
"Lord, here I am!"
There's no greater joy on earth when you run into His arms.
But it's not over yet.
Every grandma knows that hide-and-seek isn't a one-time event. My precious grandbabies beg to play it over and over because their confidence grows with every round.
They learn that separation doesn't last. No matter how the situation appears.
It's the same way in seeking the Lord.
Day after day, moment by moment, you repeat the process—searching and finding peace, hope, and joy in His presence. Over time, you discover that your unseen God has never left you.
He's hidden you in His heart.
You won't be afraid even if disaster yells," Ready or not! Here I come!".
Connecting with Jesus over and over has taught you to smile and wait for His return.
If you don't see how this trial will end, don't worry.
Take refuge in God. Listen for His voice. Rest in His peace; giggle in the darkness; don't be afraid to let your sneakers show.
You don't have to hide behind this world's flimsy solutions and threadbare comforts.
You're safe now, hidden in Christ.
Soon, the trumpet will sound.
Jesus will call, "Ready or not, here I come!"
Finally, the hiding and seeking will be over.
On that Day, you’ll be ready to be found.
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.'
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelations 22:20