Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Welcome Back


 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[b]22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.  Luke 15:20-24


In the story of the prodigal son, I’m always touched by the father’s reaction to his son’s return.  While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him, felt compassion, and ran to him.  Not waved at him, not beckoned to him, not even walked to him - - the father ran.  I love that.  I love the passion and I love how the father’s reaction is based on who the son is; not what’s he’s done or not done.  

Lately, my three year old son and I have been experiencing multiple homecomings every day.  I’ve been seeing a counselor to help me with some anger struggles as a mother.   She encouraged me to consider the difference between misbehavior and big feelings.  When I see my son overwhelmed by big feelings, instead of a consequence, I’ve been having him take his special blanket to a “calm down spot” and he can come back to play when he’s peaceful again.  When Luke returns from his break, I always open my arms, smile, and say, “Welcome back!”

Luke isn’t the only one who benefits from a calm down spot.   I need it too.  When I my anger bubbles up and I’m starting to cope with yelling or controlling, I’m challenging myself to step away for a moment and regain my peace.  I usually just go in the bathroom with the door closed and take some deep breaths.  When I come out, guess what Luke does and says?  Yep – he opens his arms wide, smiles at me, and says, “Welcome back!”

This is such a beautiful picture of the grace and love God has for us as His sons and daughters.  When we sin, or do anything that puts a barrier in our relationship with him, He welcomes us back.  Every time.  There is love and relationship waiting for us, no matter how many times a day we turn away and turn back again.  In fact, the Bible says God was with us all along (Hebrews 13:5).  Maybe, in the spirit of the prodigal’s father,  Luke and I should run to the person coming back from their break.  Makes me smile just thinking about it. 

Welcome back.


Top photo credit:  Jessica Witters Photography

1 comment:

  1. A Wonderful solution and builder for both of you! Love you both so much!!

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