Come Home

I think often of the story of the prodigal son. Both from the perspective of the son who left and from the parent who was left. I know very well what it feels like to be left, abandoned, unwanted. I know what it feels like to have the one I love out there, far away. The last few years have been full of loss. The one you love walks away, shuts you out and leaves you lonely. Its devastating.  

When one you love is out there, the unknowns can chew you up inside. Are they okay? Are they safe? Do they hate you? Do they forgive you? Are they lonely? Or have they found new people to love them? 

Mostly you wonder if they will ever make their way home. 

But on the other side, the prodigal son thought he couldn't come home. His hope was that his father would give him a place with the servants. He thought that he would have to abase himself. He couldn't conceive of the love and joy waiting for him when he found his way back.  He couldn't see his own worth. He didn't realize that he was already forgiven. 

This is a 'no matter what' kind of love.  It is a love that sees your worth when you can't.  It is a love that forgives you before you repent.  It is a love that always welcomes you back home. 

You don't need to be good enough.  You don't need to earn it.  You don't need to ask for it.  You are loved,  no matter what.  

The one who has been left is powerless.  Alone with memories. Memories of laughter and happy times. Memories of arguments and tears. Memories of love. But all the love in the world can not bring them home. The only way is for them to heal their heart and find their own way back. 

There are so many things I'd tell you if I could.  Instead I wait.  I pray.  I send love out into the Universe and I keep hoping that you will come home.