The day I ran away from home...

Amy Loflin
May 11
2 min read

little girl with suitcase running away from home

...and the divine lesson it taught me.

I have a vague memory from when I was around 5 years old, when I decided to run away from home. I don’t recall the reason, but no doubt it was due to an egregious offense by someone in the household… such as telling me to clean my room or eat my vegetables. 😉

I remember packing a small bag with life-saving essentials: stuffed animals and oatmeal cream pies. Then I began marching up the street in righteous indignation, destination unknown.

But here is why I know this memory has stayed with me.

My dad followed me.

Despite my frustration, I remember glancing back over my shoulder to see him hiding behind a tree, grinning. I kept marching, passing a few more houses, determined to make my point. And once again, I looked back. This time, he was peeking out from behind a trash can.

I don’t remember how it ended. I’m sure I grew tired. I’m sure my pride softened. And I’m sure I eventually turned around and went home… where I belonged.

This memory came back to me recently as a friend shared about a season in her life when she felt like she had run away from God. And it made me wonder… is that even possible?

Maybe we turn away. Maybe we distance ourselves by closing our hearts or by doing things on our own. But run from Him? Not really.

Even when we think we’re creating distance, God is near. Not to chide us or condemn us, but to stay close enough that when we finally look back, we see Him there.

If my earthly dad loved that stubborn, pouty five-year-old enough to drop what he was doing and follow her up the street, how much more does my Heavenly Father pursue me?

Yes, we have free will. We make mistakes and learn the hard way. There are seasons when we feel disappointed, confused, or distant from God.

But even then, we are never outside God’s reach. We cannot outrun His presence. He is never void of patience; we are never beyond His care.

So maybe the invitation isn’t to figure out how to find our way back… But simply to turn around.

Because He’s already there…ready to guide you back to where you belong.

Reflections

What emotions stir in you with the understanding that it is impossible to run away from God?
When you imagine turning around and seeing God, what do you see in His expression? What would you like to say to Him in response?