I’ve been thinking lately, what was it like for the father when his prodigal son was wayward and lost? What was it like when the young mans rebellion formed a relational chasm that seemed far too wide and beyond repair?
Although Jesus didn’t include such detail, when I look at the Father heart of God as revealed in Jesus (how he wept over the ones he created)—and when I think about my own tendencies as a father—I can imagine it was nothing short of hell on earth. I can’t help but think that, for the father, so many sleepless nights must’ve went by, as he tossed and turned worrying about the safety and wellbeing of the one he loved more than life itself.
While the son’s life was broken, so was the father’s heart. As his son wandered around in the dark, the father wondered if his heart would ever feel again. In a sense, the lost-ness of the son unleashed somewhat of a lost-ness over the father’s mind. For this, hell was being experienced in the here and now—not only by the son, but also by the father.
For the parents out there, I’m sure this hits home. In the words of my wife, “Having kids is like having your own heart out there walking around.” This is true, for when they’re happy, you’re happy; when they’re sad, you experience the same (and more). I imagine this is the way God intended it, as there is no deeper reflection of our relationship with God than that of a parent and their children.
For the parents out there with a child who has lost their way, I’m praying for you. More than likely, you’ve blamed yourself, wondering where in the heck you went wrong and how you didn’t see it coming. The regret of “should’ve” “would’ve” or “could’ve” rings louder than the present moment. You’ve probably lost more sleep than you can count. To try and put into words the pain you’ve experienced would be an insurmountable task.
For this, I’m praying that…
Like the prodigal son, they would remember who they are. That they would awaken to the place they’ve always belonged. That, in the midst of their wondering, they would find their way back home.
Father, you know the depths of the pain and suffering of a wondering child. You’ve experienced the pain of watching your children choose ways contrary to the truth of who they are. Time and again, you’ve seen the horrific choices made to follow a path that only leads to disillusionment and despair. So, would you help the struggling parent? Would you shine the light of hope and peace over their hearts as they wait?
As they wait for their children to come home!
