Lost on minecraft o.e

Okay. So, I was on minecraft and I thought I really want a pet dog. So, as i was on creative mode and coulsd fly, of course I went to the trees to find a wolf to tame, but didn't find one, so I set off back home. I knew where I was gojng, until it got dark so I stoped flying and went to explore for a bit. (I didn't sleep) then the sun came up and I saw some pigs near pumpkins whih I had seen on he way down, so I thought I was on the right track. Then, I came across some more. I've been lost for 3 minecraft days and nights now. I haven't used a bed whilst I've been lost, but I just don't understand how I'm lost, I have the brightest building ever with a massive skyscraper next to it yet I'm still lost xD I read some posts saying to use a compass, but does it work? My main areas where I began playing minecraft, like where I began the game, so would the compass guide me there? I'm so confused? I'm not new to minecraft but I've never been properly lost on it before so I've never used a xompass, what does it do?! Oh, and by the way I'm on peaceful AND creative mode atm. Someone help me become, erm, unlost?