I Don't Like the Prodigal Son

I adore and admire the pastor who just retired from my church.  He was everything I had hoped for in a church leader; he did some great work with our congregation.  And he gave some really great sermons.  BUT (and you know a but had to be coming), one of his favorite sermon topics was the Prodigal Son.

Let me say it straight out, I hate the parable of the Prodigal Son.  While I understand the message behind it (God loves you and is there for you no matter how much you mess up and you are always welcome into God's loving arms no matter what), I just don't "get" it.  Probably because when it comes to the story, I AM the older, reliable child who stays home and does what need to be done.  I understand why the older son pulls a hissy fit when the younger comes back and the father throws a welcome home party complete with the killing of the fatted calf.  If it were me, I would have done the same.  I would have stomped my feet and shouted, "THAT'S NOT FAIR!!!  WHEN IS IT MY TURN?!?!?!"

And then it was pointed out to me...as much as the younger son chose to go out and carouse, the older son also CHOSE to stay at home.  And my life is a result of MY choices.

I have to admit that there are times when I wonder what if.  If I had chosen to do something different how would my life be?  I'll also admit that (probably) like the older son, there's a little bit of fear that has kept me on the path that I have trod.  Could I have traveled the world?  Moved on my own across country?  Picked a different career path? Of course I could have, but my own personal fears as well as my personal commitment to my family  I am where I am because of what choices I have made.  Where I go also depends on those choices.

And while I acknowledge that, it doesn't mean that there won't be times in my life when I whine just like the older son.  I want my life to be easier.  I want to have the things that I WANT (never mind the financials).  I want to be seen as the faithful child, wife, parent, etc., yet at the same time I want to experience things that I probably will not or might not have the chance to do because of these obligations.  I've been told that life isn't fair or easy, but that doesn't make it any more acceptable to my inner child.

But when I have these breakdowns/tantrums, I'm going to TRY and remember, that like it has been my That if I truly wanted to, I could run away and join the metaphorical circus.  But if I am honest with myself, would that make me any happier?  While my responsibilities might wear me down, they also lift me up.

I may never like the parable of the Prodigal Son, but when I hear it again, I will remind myself of my choices and my path have made me the person that I am today.  And if I want to change that, I have the power to do so.





 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

We Have Taken America Back

Image
Back to a time when all men (and women) are not created equal.  Where women's healthcare is determined by men's laws and not by medical professionals. Where education tells only the "winning" side of the story and truth does not matter.  Where banning and burning books is a social event.  Where people who are "different" than those in power can be mocked, shunned and hurt with no real consequences. Where lies are acceptable and integrity is  just a word on a page We have moved into a time where rage is the rage.  Where hate is not just normal, but accepted and even cheered. Where leaders can ask to have their "enemies" killed and no one will bat an eye.  Where it's "funny" to see someone struggle.  Where felony is applauded. Where compassion is not shown and caring for others is looked down upon. We have taken America back to a time of pain and suffering for many.  Back to when the "haves" can have and the have nots don'
Read more

It's Not About Starbucks (or is it)?

Image
  About a block and a half from my home in a major intersection.  At the southeast corner (which is nearest to me), is an empty building.  Back in 1995 it was a Bank of NY (I remember this because they didn't shovel/de-ice their parking lot well and my husband fell and broke his ankle one Monday morning.  I recall this clearly because we were not yet married and it was the first day of a new job for me.  I had gotten on the bus to work and he was catching a later one; only he never got there.  Instead he ended up laying on the ground until an employee came to open up the bank.  Then he had them call an ambulance AND my mother who took control of the situation until I arrived home that night blissfully unaware of what had happened that day.)  It eventually became a Chase Bank; the second one in my small little town.  It eventually closed.  I'm not sure when but it's been empty for quite a long time.  (I do know that it was open in 2005 because the night before my son was bor
Read more

As Is

Image
  Today I want to discuss what I think it is a relatively simple concept, but may be difficult for some, even an attorney who might have once, over a decade ago won a  prestigious award  for young lawyers .  That term is "AS IS." As you may know, I volunteer in a thrift shop.  Everything we sell, from all the donations we receive, is "as is."  The items are not brand new.  They are not perfect.  That doesn't mean they aren't any good or worth something. They are sold "as is."  Buyers should go in knowing that. (After all you are shopping in a thrift shop!)  In some cases, particularly when we are offering higher end products, we will actually write on the price tag, "as is." Such is the case of two designer purses that I purchased from there this summer.  (I'm a purse-aholic!  Don't look in my closet.)  They were reasonably priced (especially when you consider the name brand), but each had an "as is" clearly marked o
Read more