This month we’re asked to answer the question “What do Lent and the
death and resurrection of Christ mean to you?”
I come from a tradition that doesn’t observe Lent, though I have
personally observed it a few times. More important to me is the remembrance of
Christ’s death and resurrection, which give me hope for a future spent with
Him.
When you have a prodigal child, as I do, it gives new perspective on
your relationship with God. This season is certainly drawing me closer to Him,
recognizing my dependence on Him and on His goodness. I have pressed more
closely into prayer, into Scripture reading, into praise. That last – praise –
may surprise you since my circumstances (the spiritual condition of one who is
precious to me) are not favourable. But we are told to give thanks in all
things and I thank God for who He is.
What is the character of God? He is love, mercy, forgiveness, grace. He
is holy. He judges all things righteously and perfectly. He made the earth and
everything in it. Everything that breathes He loves and cares for – especially people,
who are made in His image. He loves my child more deeply and well than I ever could.
He is a keeper of promises. He is provider, healer, and more, so I can trust
Him as He works in the life of my child, that He pursues lost sheep, redeems
and restores.
The story of the prodigal, an exaggeration as parables are, provides a
marvelous example of roles we all play, or may play. As one-time prodigals
ourselves we can identify with the son who has wandered away and turned his
back on the right path. As parents we can identify with the father who lovingly
gives the child what he wants and lets life be the difficult teacher. The father prays, waits and watches. I love this song by Rich Mullins on the theme:
Growing Young
As I reflect on Easter and the work Christ did on the cross, I’m
reminded that all have sinned and
fallen short of God’s glory. That means I too have missed the mark. I was just
as guilty as anyone and in need of a Saviour. Thank God, for providing the Way
back to Him!
I am posting this later in the day than I planned on. Suddenly it was
April 4th and I didn’t have my piece completed. Perhaps that’s just
as well, for it allows me to end with this familiar song sung by Celtic Woman,
a rendition I only heard tonight. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. How very
sweet indeed.
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Please visit Susan at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.ca
As the mother of a prodigal myself, I get it. I also cling to the fact that God loves my child more than I do... and I keep remembering His promises. (Loved the song too!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for identifying with me, Tracy. I think there are more Christian parents of prodigals than we realize and going through something like this ourselves helps us to empathize rather than analyze (what went wrong in someone else's home). People can parent with excellence and still have a prodigal since even our children have a free will they can exercise.
DeleteHi Susan! Thank you for such an honest post. I relate to the pain of loving a prodigal son. He came back to my wife and I after a number of years. I recognize too that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. The God who looks beyond our fault and sees our need.
ReplyDeleteYour words have touched a tender spot in me for those who pray and wait for their prodigals. This post is one I will cerainly remember. As you pray for your son I will be praying for you my friend!
Thank you, Alan; I am honoured to have your prayers lifted to heaven for me as I pray for and love my son. I am delighted to hear that your own son returned after several years away. I'm hearing many such stories and they certainly add to the sure hope I have in our Lord and what He is able to do. When our son is restored we will know it is the work of God and not human accomplishment. But prayer is crucial, and I thank you again for yours!
DeleteThanks for sharing from the heart. Your words touched me deeply. You are not alone. I too share the same prayers. I will keep you in my prayer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vickie, for sharing your same burden. Will add you and Tracy to my prayer list as well!
DeleteDo you have room for more prayers, my friends? Please add me to the list as well, and I am adding your names to mine. We have a lot in common. I also pray for wisdom, unconditional love, patience, respect. . . May God help each of us to lovingly let go and let God help with the daily issues. Bless you, Susan for starting this conversation.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sharon. I'm reading this much later than you wrote it, but thank you for your prayers - I always have room for more!- and I will add you to my list as well! Blessings, sister.
DeleteGod is forbearing and forgiving. He is a keeper of promises and His love endures forever. He patiently and tirelessly pursues those who flee from Him. (See: 2 Peter 3:9) I am confident that one day your prayers will be answered, Susan. As you continue to pray, praise, and read the Scriptures, I will also be praying for you and your prodigal child.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Nina. I appreciate your prayers and affirmation. And for the additional reminders of who God is.
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