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
