Day 34: June 7Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 All our married life, my husband and I lived in places that were very distant from our families. His career in the US Air Force and later with IBM kept us on the move. Both sets of parents lived in the same town where we were born and raised. Most of our brothers and sisters lived nearby. Whenever we were able to come home for a visit, our parents were always excited to see us. There were celebrations with lots of food, fun and story sharing. However, some of the family members could never understand why we chose to live a life that required so much moving; a life that kept us so far from family and friends. In many ways, we were the “Lost Son” in the parable, but as I read the scripture, I think Jesus makes a very strong statement that God wants us to be happy. He invites us to a party and that party is our life! What we do with it depends on us, our character, our courage, and our belief. The younger son in the scripture wanted to celebrate and enjoy total freedom without consideration for God or family. He squandered his fortune and soon lost that freedom. He decided it would be better to go home. He realized he must ask forgiveness from God and his father. When he did he was welcomed with a feast and celebration. How many times have we found ourselves in a similar situation? We can’t find God, we can’t find freedom, we can’t find our families and friends. We’re not at God’s party. We’re lost. There is no celebration for us! However, in this parable, Jesus tells us that we can go home again! God the father forgives us over and over, again and again, encouraging us to a life of happiness, forgiveness and freedom. God invites us to a party, and that party is our life. What we do with it depends on us. Carol A. Gaston |