Darian peeked through the bars of the wrought iron gate and stared at the brick mansion in the distance. Trees lined the lane like sentinels protecting the property from outside forces. Fog hovered over the property. He placed his hand on his heart and glanced over his shoulder.
Was it too late to turn back?
Darian left his father’s tyrannical ways when he turned 16. Darian couldn’t take all the rules. The curfews, orders, and constant fighting wore on him like a relentless predator. Never giving up.
Hacking into his father’s account, Darian moved half of the estate into a separate bank account. One under a fictitious name.
Then he ran as far away as possible—cutting all ties. Even from his older brother.
Why hadn’t his father sent the police after him? Surely they could have tracked him down.
Darian left ten years ago with his head high. Today he returned with it hung in shame. He lost all the money with bad choices in the stock market, frivolous living, and stupid decisions.
He inhaled, smoothed out his worn jacket, and pushed the gate open. It creaked in annoyance. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he sauntered down the never-ending lane. As he neared the large mansion the front door opened. His father stepped out onto the veranda.
Darian stopped and held his breath.
Will he recognize me?
Within seconds his father smiled and opened his arms—wide.
Darian ran the rest of the way and fell into his father’s embrace. A thought raced through his mind.
It’s good to be home.
The story of the prodigal son is one that I’m sure everyone can relate to in some way or another. We’ve all run away from something or we’ve squandered precious moments of our lives doing something that perhaps we should have thought through longer. Perhaps we too have made stupid mistakes.
What can we learn from this prodigal son? Good and bad.
He was impatient. He couldn’t wait to inherit his father’s estate. He wanted everything and he wanted it now. Like this young man, we too get impatient. We try and rush our lives or we go ahead and make decisions without thinking them through or talking to our Father about them. How about we make a resolution for the coming year to wait upon Him?
He only cared about himself. This young man was selfish. He didn’t care about his father or brother. He wanted to get out into the world and live his life to the fullest. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with living life to full capacity, but don’t step over other people to do it. That’s not fair. Is there someone you need to apologize to? Show them you care today.
Now for the good.
He knew he made a mistake. After he squandered his money, the prodigal son hit rock bottom. He lived on the streets and thought about the pigs in his father’s yard. They ate better than him. He knew he’d been foolish. When I was younger I didn’t listen to my mother and rode my bike barefoot. Stupid, you say? I agree. I soon realized that when I tried to stop using my feet. Duh. Have you done something recently and realized it had been a mistake? Correct it.
He swallowed his pride and went home. That must have been a tough one. Can you imagine asking for everything, squandering it, and then returning home with your head hung in shame? Pride can get in the way of a lot of things—unnecessarily. At least this young man knew when to swallow his. Do you?
He apologized. He told his father he “wasn’t worthy to be his son.” Wow…if that isn’t an apology, I don’t know what is! It’s hard to say you’re sorry. It takes courage. Will you follow his lead and do the same? Is there someone in your life you need to have a heart-to-heart with?
There’s definitely a lot of good and bad to learn from the prodigal son. Is there something in the story you need to apply to your life today? I know there is for me. Something you need to change?
Do you make New Year’s resolutions only to turn around and break them? Let’s not make any this year and just come home. Back to our Savior where we belong. He loves us and wants us to live for Him. Let’s swallow our pride and do it.
Will you come home in 2013? Your Father awaits with arms open wide.
Do you have a prodigal son story you could share? Have you had to swallow your pride, admit you were wrong, and apologize? Share with us.
Luke 15:20 (NIV)
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Come Home by Meredith Andrews
This is a powerful song Meredith wrote about her brother. Listen to the words.
P.S. Happy New Year!
Hey Dar, thanks for this story reminding us that our Father is always there for us. Powerful song from Meredith with her amazing voice. Happy New Year!
Thanks Sue! Thanks for your continued support. Happy New Year. Love you xo
My Precious Dar.. That song made me bawl. This story is very near and dear to my heart. I just keep praying God has a plan and knows what it will take. I love you Dar and God bless you my Angel!
I know He has a very special plan for you, Di. Praying for you and love you. xo
Wonderful story for the New Year. I love it when the prodigal child returns home and is welcomed with open, forgiving arms. Just like our Savior welcomes us each time we mess up and run back to Him! How appropriate. Thank you for sharing, Dar.
Thanks Loretta! I also thought this story was a good one to start the new year. Take care, my friend.
Good reminder that it is never too late to come to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and start anew.
Love your front door, it is welcoming.
P.S. Also love your shadow in the door window. 🙂
Thanks, Heather. I thought it was a good one to start 2013!
P.S. I never even noticed my shadow. tee hee 😀
Dar, one of my favourite and often-read books is The Return of the Prodigal by Henri Nouwen. Just recently I was fortunate to find audio CDs entitled Home Tonight, further reflections on the book. You are very correct in suggesting we can all identify with the prodigal in one way or another, never kidding ourselves that we have walked, could walk or are walking in his shoes~thanks for the gentle reminder of “But for the Grace of God, go I.” Miss you!!
Thanks for your comments, Ruth. Miss you too!