by Sylvia Hutchinson

Luke 15:11-32  (The Message) The Parable of the Prodigal Son

I have never understood why anyone ( including the “son who stayed home”) in the prodigal son parable is angry for the parent’s response to the prodigal’s return.  The son who stayed with his father, had the good fortune to spend all those days, months, years with a loving parent while the prodigal son lost that time and it was never to be regained. I am overcome with sadness for the prodigal son every time I read the story.

I give thanks for the time and opportunity to be with friends and family who try to understand me even when I am short-tempered or mean-spirited or just out of sorts. How thankful I am that some people understand that being tired or hungry or sick or over-worked may cause me to say or do things that are not very loving.

I am grateful that God always offers the reassurance of grace and forgiveness when we ask.