Who's waiting for you?

Every day, he hobbled out to the front porch. His steps were deliberate; his gaze was focused upon the place where he last saw his son. Tears flooded his eyes as he recalled the day his youngest left. Too many rules... can't breathe in a place where every one's perfect.... what kind of fun can be had here, anyway... gotta get out and get free... make my own way... Those phrases were still ringing in the old man's ears as he greeted the dawn, and peered down that dusty road.

Every single day, the father held out hope for his wayward son. Every single day, he prayed inwardly; at first, he prayed that no harm would come to his son. Then, he was reminded that for God to really work in the younger son's life, the father would have to take his hands off of the situation and learn to trust in God to bring his son back into his life.

In all reality, it was as though his son were dead, to the father's deep sorrow. He tried to send messages to his son, but no word came back as to the son's welfare. Work went on, as usual. The sun rose and set, as usual. Holidays came and went, as usual. But work didn't hold its value, because he didn't have his younger son to share it with. He couldn't poke his son on the shoulder to point out a double rainbow or a lightning storm. Every holiday seemed bitter-sweet, as he didn't have his entire family to share that time in joyous celebration. Celebrations had a hollow ring for the father.

Shortly before dinnertime, he meandered out the front door to retrieve his oldest son, who was still working on the family farm. He quickly glanced towards the long, lonesome road, and was about to continue walking to the fields when - wait a minute - what was it that he saw? He rubbed his eyes in disbelief. He squinted his eyes, placed his hands over his forehead to place a shadow over his eyes to see clearly. The sun no longer clouded his vision, no tears did, instead.

For in the distance, he saw a familiar gait. It was slower, less assured, but it was his long-lost son, alright. He started walking with a determined gait, himself. Down that road towards his boy, his baby, he walked. The pace quickened as it turned to a full-force run for this elderly man. His son's face looked pale, unassured. He reeked; his father realized that his son probably hadn't taken a bath for a mighty long time. But father didn't care; he fell upon his son and kissed him on his neck, sobbing tears of utter joy.

His son started speaking: "Father, I have done wrong against you and and God, Himself. I don't deserve to be your son...."

Father didn't want to hear any of that. He called for his servants, and asked to run a hot bath for his son, get a new set of clothes out for his son, kill the fatted cow for his son, and decided to have a celebration to end all celebrations! His son was alive! And his son was HOME. No day would be better than this day!

Recently, we had a day that was better than most days. My husband has waited eight long years for the day he would hear one line from one or both of his sons, my step-sons. The sentence I read in my inbox was the best line I could have read, and brought tears to both of our eyes: "Tell Dad I said hi."

Now, our son was not off sinning,,, but due to other circumstances beyond our control, we were separated from my two step-boys. Tears STILL come to my eyes when I think of that one line, the most beautiful words I've seen on a computer screen in a mighty long time. Love never dies, especially the love that a parent has for his or her child.

God's love for us was demonstrated in the above story; this story was paraphrased from a parable our Lord Jesus taught. But we understand the longing of that father, we feel what the father felt; and it helps us to realize the infinite love of the Father towards us.

Maybe you're looking down long, lonely roads toward the pathway where your child has trod. Maybe you haven't heard from them in years. My humble plea to you is to never give up. The Father knows your heart. He's hearing your cries. If you've raised your child in the way of the Lord, believe that God is working out a plan. It may not be your plan, but it's the perfect plan, because it's designed by the One who created the heavens and earth. He's not too far away to hear you when you speak... and He loves your child more than you do. Remember Romans 8:28, my friend: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Keep looking, keep hoping, keep believing. Your Father will work it ALL out for you!

And, if you've been running from the One who loves you more than anyone else ever could, please,,, come home. Your Father is waiting for you, with arms open wide, ready and more than willing to accept you, to bring you back to His bosom. You are special, you are loved and you are important to God. Come home; the celebration can't get underway until you're here.