Puppy Parent
Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:11-24
Insight
The more frustrated I became as I watched the rain continue to pour down. It was the early morning, and I still had bedhead and bad breath. All I wanted was to get a few more minutes underneath the covers. But, unfortunately, our puppy, Meg, had different plans, which mostly involved running through the puddles and rolling around in the muddy grass.
I called her in. She took one glance at me and continued to play. My tone grew increasingly frustrated. Meg would get close to the door, see me, and then hurry away. She eventually realized the mess she made and that dad was beyond upset. After numerous failed attempts reminding her that she was a bad girl, I tagged my wife to see if she could get our filthy furball in the house.
Loving and kind, she knelt down and sweetly said, "Come here, my beautiful girl." And just like that, Meg ran into her arms. As she cleaned Meg up, Jenn gave me the side-eye, along with a smirk, as if to say, "how hard was that?"
I learned a few valuable lessons that day:
Jenn is by far the more superior puppy parent.
Our tone of voice matters.
And most importantly, our perception of God influences our willingness to deal with our mess and embrace repentance.
Which parent did Meg respond to - the angry father who told her she had messed up and was in trouble or the loving mother who got down to her level, spoke of her worth, and welcomed her home? Of course, when we view God as a harsh judge or a disappointed parent who believes we're nothing but a screw-up, we will resist, avoid, or stand our ground. But, on the other hand, if we think God is merciful, forgiving, and wants what is best for us, we will see repentance in a different light.
We're all prodigals who went our own way while God is a loving father looking at the horizon waiting to welcome us home. The goodness of God draws us to repentance. His kindness beckons back a return. Christ extends to us all a generous call to return where we belong. His goodness, and not our guilt, drives true repentance. Coming home unleashes God's grace on us.
Even though He's kind, it doesn't mean our transformation process is always comfortable. Meg resisted getting wrapped up in a towel. She protested at times and tried to wiggle free. But, she knew what came afterward - snuggle time with Jenn. When Christ deals with our mess and transforms our character, the same takes place.
At times, it won't be pleasant, and we'll resist, but in the end, it's worth it because we can trust the One who made way for us to come home. Repentance isn't a one-time decision but an invitation to remain in the arms of a loving God.
Reflection
Where do you need to embrace God's invitation to repent of your sins and struggles?
Where do you resist viewing God as loving and kind? Why does this place come to mind?
Prayer
God, thank you for welcoming me home. I don't deserve Your unconditional love, but You give it to me anyway. May I not resist repentance but return to You because that is where freedom and love reside. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.