Well, it's been a while, but what better time than the present...

So I've been thinking alot about the father in the (incorectly named) story of the prodigal son. You know...the whole story's not focusing on the son but on the father? Anyway, I digress. Frankly, I've had a hard time thinking of fatherhood and God, especially thinking of God as my father. See my parents split when I was 5 and I grew up without a father at home. He was always in the picture, but not always with me. Enter my questions about God being my father. I've had a whole range of them. You say he's always there...what does that look like? Can I see him on the weekends or everyday? Is he someone who is even in the picture regulary? Then Jesus tells me the story about his father and my father...God.

I've been the lost son, the prodigal, going off on my own and demanding to have life my own way...landing in the pig pen. And God has looked down the road in front of the house longing for the day I'd come back.

I love how the Message translation puts it. "When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time (a party!).

WOW...so that's the kind of father God is.

...heart pounding for
...running to
...embracing
...kissing

ME

I love the embrace in the picture at the top. There's no distance between them...just complete forgiveness and acceptance.

I'm going to need to ponder this a little more.
God, I haven't even grasped this in the least. But please help me!