Parable of the son gone astray.
I was moved to tears at the
Father's selfless love, at the
Joyful reunion.
Years ago, I told the story to
My four year old preschoolers.
I used the most expressive language
Possible, with hand motions too.
When I got to the part
Where the dad sees his son in the
Distance and the prodigal finally falls
Into his open arms, the
Children were so caught up in
The emotion that they all
Began to clap.
I was astonished.
Even the little ones understood it.
Like the angels, they rejoiced that
A lost child had been found,
That a runaway had come home.
I have a page in my spiral notebook simply
Titled "Prodigals."
I pray for them by name.
I pray that one day each son and
Daughter will be
Disillusioned with the far country and
Return home.
I can't imagine the joy.