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The Prodigal Son
Posted By Carol
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NIV
“He made a contraption to flip his pencil during the Junior Achievement lesson. Then he wouldn’t stop talking when he came to the carpet for our social studies time,” I heard on the other end of the phone. “I understand. Thank you for calling,” I hung up the phone feeling like someone let the wind out of my sail.
I had just left the school from a meeting with the assistant principal and my son’s teacher to discuss his behavior. My sweet challenge of a boy was so talkative and active that I got more notes home from school than slices of bread in a loaf. They just kept coming. We threatened. We punished. We restricted. We even rewarded. But, not much seemed to help. This day I met with the assistant principal and teacher to brainstorm ways to help my first-born conduct himself in an appropriate manner for school.
I left the meeting feeling good. We all agreed – he was sweet, he was smart, he was respectful, he was honest, he was TALKATIVE! Strategies were devised and put into plan. His teacher shared that his behavior for the week was satisfactory. As long as he didn’t mess up before the day was over, he would have an “S” on his weekly report.
After calling my husband to share the good news, I met a friend for lunch. Not an hour passed since I left the school when I got the call. And so with one call, the wind in my sails didn’t just die down, it stopped.
So, it was with full knowledge that I went to the bus stop to greet my son. Knowledge that his day didn’t go as well as expected. Knowledge that there was an “N” on his weekly report. I stood up the hill on the sidewalk close to our house as I watched him slink off the bus. He trudged slowly knowing what he was bringing home. I took a deep breath and plastered a smile on my face, raising my arms to embrace him. He lifted his head and caught my eyes. His steps quickened, until he finally broke into a run. Running from the disappointment. Running to my arms.
As I stood there with my arms open wide and my heart aching for the hurt of his disappointment and mine, I was filled with compassion. I threw my arms around him and kissed him. I know what unconditional love is. My Heavenly Father shared it with me, and I, in turn, share it with my son – my prodigal son.
Feb 11th, 2008
You brought tears to my eyes with that one. I am amazed at how different these stories feel when having a child of my own. Thank you for this fresh view of unconditional love.
Having 2 sons (one of whom is in school), I can totally relate here. My oldest is in first grade. Neither his father or I ever got in trouble in school - ever, yet he is only in first grade and has come home with “no smiley face” several times already for talking or something similar. I love how you relate this to the prodigal son……your son will always remember you waiting for him and you being his safe place. I love it! No matter what they do to get in trouble, we still love them with a fierce love - just like God loves us! Thanks for this post!
Carol- Were you in our house today? You weren’t - but God knew I needed this. This post is such a “perspective checker”. Thank you for reminding me of God’s grace and mercy to me.
-Janet
Thanks Carol for that sweet story, I’m still hoping and praying for that “glad meeting.” I have had 19 years of unsuccessful training of our first born. He was once on the straight and narrow but has strayed from the Lord and prefers to eat the husks with the pigs.
Compassion toward him and allowing him to bear the consequences of his actions are a constant battle within me. I will keep praying and trust God with the outcome.
Ah yes I have had those calls too, but not just for talkativeness! I know what it’s like to wait at the bus knowing! My sons face to was always downcast! I hope he sees me the way your son saw you and the prodigal saw his father! Loving, forgiving, patient, and willing to receive him with open arms! Thanks for the great picture, I could so relate to.
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!
I love it when God inspires us to do something just plain SMART now and then. I bet your son will not forget that day. What a blessing to read about!
Darnelle
Goosebumps & lump in my throat. Beautiful Carol!