This past Thursday, I turned 45 years old. I’m pretty sure this earns me full admission to the Midlife Crisis Club.

(No. I did not buy a red convertible.)

Life is already beginning to throw several mortality reminders in my direction. New band names sound completely made up. (“Hey mom! Can I go see Ziplock Baggy G in concert?”) I’m struggling through some major sciatic nerve symptoms. And have you noticed I shave my head? That is necessity, not fashion.

All this has got me thinking about the prodigal son.

He didn’t want to wait for his inheritance. Life is short and he knew it. “Give me what I want, dad.” He had places to go and abundance to experience.

His father gave him what he asked for, including his freedom.

In the end, most of us know what happened. The son came home and begged for forgiveness. He didn’t even feel worthy to be treated as a son. He asked only that his father treat him like one of his slaves. His father had none of that.

In Luke 15:22-24, we read the father’s reaction. “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.”

It’s ironic. What the son was in such a hurry to experience… was right there the whole time. The father wanted him to have it.

We only have so much time. Let’s stop searching everywhere other than the one place that can truly give us what our heart desires. Our Father is waiting to give it to us in abundance.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org

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