The Prodigal Son
This week we are looking at different aspects of the Prodigal Son. Perhaps you have one in your family?
Sometimes, it isn't as bad as the parable in Luke 15. Teenagers may not leave home, but still may go through a period where they are living "in exile" in their bedrooms, squandering their time and energy on watching TV or playing computer games. Communication breaks down and the family relationship is disrupted.
As a parent, we want the best for our children – as they grow up we hope they make wise choices. Often, this doesn't happen. With maturity comes the freedom to choose, wisely or foolishly. Parents can often predict the worst when their children set out on the wrong path. There comes a time when they have to allow their children to make a few mistakes and hope (and pray) that they will come through unharmed as a result. That doesn't stop parents feeling guilty and asking "what did I do wrong?"
You may recall a good while ago a record called "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) which was based around a fictional graduation speech in a newspaper column. I have to say that when I first heard it I thought it was good advice, and I shared it with my youngest son when he reached 18 - the advicec includes:
- Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
- Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
- Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
- Wear sunscreen
If I can offer one piece of advice to parents it would be "keep the communication channel open". As for children, my advice would be the same, as well as obviously to "wear sunscreen".
Dave MacLellan
(originally published in 2003) | |
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