I was reminded of this in a Facebook Memories post, and dug through my box of writing until I found it again. Written on 09/17/13


Within His Love's Embrace

I was so proud, as I stood before my father

Defiant, I asked him to give me what was mine

For I longed to see what the world had to offer

Surely I was missing out, and running out of time


He divided the inheritance between me and my brother

He didn't even plead or try to change my mind

It wasn't long before I packed my bags together

And left the only home I'd known with no goodbye


At first, it seemed that I had made the right decision

I went as far away from there as I could go

Pleasure was my goal, freedom my mission

Little thought I what I'd reap from what I sowed


Until I reached the end of every last possession

All my coins lost to the bottle and the dice

Spent on countless nights of vanity and passion

Anything that caught my eye, seemed to entice


There was nothing for it; I would have to labor

Feeding pigs is better than death, but not by much

As I worked all day, I could not squelch my hunger

For the scraps they ate; I even desired such!


Suddenly I remembered once again my father

For he feeds his servants better than I eat

I scarcely had to stop, I barely thought it over

Within minutes, I was bounding to my feet


As I walked, I rehearsed the speech I'd give him

For I knew every word in it to be quite true

"Surely I am fit to only be a servant

For I have sinned greatly against heaven and you."


I traveled far until my home was in view

Then what should I see but my father running fast

He wept as he embraced me and said, "How I've missed you.

Many nights I've waited; now you're home at last!"


I was stunned, and tried to tell what I'd decided

But he acted as though I hadn't said a thing

With great joy, he called out for a celebration

Left me bewildered with new shoes, a robe, a ring


Somehow in the excitement, no one told my brother

He found out the hard way, and naturally was shocked

In bitterness, he stood outside, waiting for father

Crossing his arms, angrily muttering, "Thanks a lot."


Father asked him whatever could be the matter

He said, "I served faithfully, yet you never gave

What you have done for this scoundrel of a brother

When he wasted what you carefully have saved."


Our father said, "I know you've never left me

In all these years, you've never once let me down

But can't you see, I thought him dead, yet he's still living

I celebrate because the lost has now been found."


I am truly blessed to have a father like him

Who let me go to find the folly of my ways

And upon my return, greet me with a welcome

Assured I'm still his child, within his love's embrace