Listen

Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Then the father divided his estate between them. Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living.

“When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need.”

Luke 15:11-14

Think

This might be a familiar story to you. Have you ever gone against your parents or a teacher or coach, in a way that you knew they disapproved of? Sometimes we just see things differently than they do.

I’ve always been surprised that the father in this story was like, “Sure, here ya go,” to his son who wanted his inheritance early. Why did he give him the money? It seems foolish at best, and irresponsibly destructive at worst!

The son wastes it on buying whatever he wants, not thinking for the future, and not earning a living or contributing to society. He goes to a land far away, where he doesn’t have to face any questions or accountability from his dad and brother.

Before too long the jig is up. The money runs out. There’s a famine in the land, and the young man is in need.

Have you ever experienced anything like this? Such a burning desire to go your own way and do your own thing, no matter what your elders advise?

Cari Pattison

Question to Ponder:

How has it worked out – well or poorly – when you have you gone your own way, against the advice of your parents or teachers?

Pray

Understanding God, you know that sometimes I see things my own way and feel a need to learn something for myself, through trial and error. Would you give me guidance to know when it’s important for me to strike out independently and when it’s important for me to heed the advice of trusted adults in my life? It’s not always easy to know the difference. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go

May you go into this day knowing you are held up and carried forth.

May you feel the truest most beautiful things in you brought to life.

And may all the disconnects that really matter, be rejoined and made new.