PRODIGAL.

PRODIGAL.

She stumbled one last time and halted; it was dark—so dark she could not see more than two steps before her.

But she did know the way, the way back to Him.

Not long ago she had felt in control, able to do everything by herself. Wasn’t she already 18? She would set out to seek her own fortune; it had all sounded so wise. Why did it now sound so foolish, even to her ears?

No longer did she fear the dark shadows. The screeching noises around her could not stir fear as great as the one she felt—not for anything around her, but for what might be at the end of the road.

The afternoon had happened with youthful wisdom and confidence. Nothing the world said mattered, not even what He said mattered.

He had started talking, but to her he sounded unwise. Why was he so naïve? Even she knew this would work. She had stopped talking after the second rise of his voice in reprimand. He could talk on; she’d do what she wanted anyway.

When she left, his gentle but pained gaze smote her. She had all but run through the door. “I will do well, you’ll see,” she said to herself as she left. The world would bow to her; she would come back making him proud. But now here she was, her tail between her legs.

She couldn’t help her tears and sobs as she crested the last hill that led home—tears of uncertainty, defeat, and fear. Her eyes clouded and blurred as she walked on and habitually stopped at the front of the house. She couldn’t go forth and knock, or just open the door as always and go in. Maybe not today; maybe tomorrow, at sunset, will be better. Now she couldn’t do it.

She turned to go, but heard a click and the opening of the door. Light flooded out from behind him. Two long strides brought him to her, and he engulfed her in a warm embrace.

“I… I…” was all she could say. Every one of his pores spoke understanding. He looked into her eyes as though into her soul and spoke forgiveness—no “I told you so.”

This time she hugged him fiercely and wept for lessons hard learned and appreciation of the wonderful father he was.

Luke 15:18 — I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.