"Wayward Parent"

Luke 15:11-32
The parable of the prodigal son tells of a child who abandoned his family, squandered his inherentice, but later returned and was received home. His father welcomed him back but his older brother resented him.

I find today that story runs true in the lives of many. And it's not so much the child who runs away at times but at times it is the parent. Some fathers run from responsibility and leave a mother to raise a child alone. Some mothers struggle to be there for their child because they have to balance work, daycare, parenting, and make ends meet. And some mothers abandon their child for the love of a man. There are so many scenarios that can play out these are just a few, sometimes it's the mother who leaves and the father who has to raise the child and struggles just the same as mentioned above. So to you single parents I pray God strengthen you for the journey and surround with wisdom and help for the task that is before you.

But what happens when that child whom was raised without knowing their biological father and/or mother finally meets them. It's hard to fight back those raw emotions and questions of why? And I cannot begin to imagine the pain but I look at the prodigal son's father who could have rejected his own flesh and blood and let him feel the guilt of leaving. Instead he welcomed him back with loving arms and expressed to his son that he was forgiven. I am sure it was hard for his father because so much time was lost between his son and him. But I like how the father cherished the time he had now gained with his son and did not waste it on questions and speculation. Not to say if his father were to question his son it would without valid reasons but I appreciate how he spent more time on getting know his son as opposed to being hateful towards him.

For some of us, we are going to play the role of the loving father when our wayward parent returns seeking forgiveness for abandoning us, abusing us, or neglecting us. Now it is important to note the prodigal son lost all his inherentice just like the wayward parent lost some years, maybe respect, or even the right to be called "mommy" or "daddy". But it also important to notice that the father's love for his prodigal son was unconditional and his forgiveness was instant. So if you are the child of a wayward parent I know you have questions and hurts but trust this, God sees those and through all your suffering He was the one healing your wounds, bandaging your scars, and holding you in His arms as you cried. It has always been Him and He will never stop. So when that wayward parent returns don't be like the older brother who resented his brother and was angered by the very presence of his brother. Your wayward parent is more than aware of what they did and they may find the words or courage to say, "I am sorry and I love you." or they may never apologize for what they did. They will never be able to make up for time lost or take back the mistake of hurting you. But remember your forgiveness of their sin is worth more than the apology they owe you. And I know I will never understand how you feel because I grew up in a loving home with good (not perfect) parents. And I am not advocating abandoning or abusing kids nor am I excusing their reckless behavior. However what I am saying is capture what time you can while you can. And if your wayward parent died prior to coming back or you offering them forgiveness find comfort in this. The loving father was waiting on his prodigal son to return not so he could forgive him but to express his forgiveness that he had already granted his son years ago. We will not always have the opportunity to let others know they are forgiven and reconcile but we will always have the chance to forgive in our hearts. I know it's tough but sometimes as Christian this is the weight we bare. But we do not bare it alone, Christ is there with us and He will never abandon us.

Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable.

"In His JOY!"