Daily Thought For March 6, 2016
Living A More Abundant Life
At some time or another, we all stand back and assess our lives. Forward-looking people do this on a regular basis, and people who live in the moment wait for some kind of crisis—but everybody does it.
The prodigal son was in this second group. It wasn’t until he found himself in a state of complete misery that he came to his senses.
Surely this young man felt like a failure. Surely he worried that his relationship with his father was beyond repair. Still, he reasoned, “Even the most menial servant in my father’s house is treated better than I’m being treated right now. Even the saddest person back home is happier than me.” So he headed for home.
Maybe he wasn’t sincere. Maybe he didn’t feel sorry for his sins. Maybe all he wanted was a happier, more comfortable life. It didn’t matter. What mattered was that he decided to walk away from the bondage that he was in. Whether his motives were pure, mixed, or completely self-centered, he returned to his father. And the rest, as they say, is history. Of course his father wouldn’t treat him like just another servant! He lavished affection on him and threw a great party to celebrate his return.
Whenever we repent, our heavenly Father greets us just as happily. He doesn’t utter a single word of negativity or rejection. He welcomes us warmly and treats us like the children that we are. The only thing that matters is that we have come back home. He knows that if we stay with him, everything will work out in the end.
Don’t wait for a crisis to make changes in your life. Step back today, and carefully assess each area of your life—work, family, finances, recreation. The examination of conscience on page 18 can help you assess your spiritual life as well. Then run to your Father, and ask him for his grace. Stay with him, in his home, and you’ll be far happier.
“Here I am, Father. Let me know your mercy today.”
Daily Reflection from The Word Among Us (www.wau.org)