My family and I love to be together. This is what I think about when I read Luke 15. Jesus tells us stories of things that were lost but then were found. He also tells of how He celebrates when His children are all back together. In the busy time that we live in now, we have all the team sports, school activities, family traditions, and all the other functions that families must attend. As a Father, I can understand the father Jesus talks about in the story. I can’t imagine the worry he felt not knowing where his son was, but I can tell you I would have celebrated the same way if my son left and then came back home! The relief of knowing everyone was home and safe that night had to feel good.
As a family, this is the image of God that I know my wife and I try to portray to our kids, that no matter what our kids do we will always love them and help them. Our kids know we are weak and know that we are not perfect, but they know we’ve got them!
I know deep down this is what God wants for all His children to know - that no matter what, He loves us! This one thing we can agree on, God is Love.
In the next week, find time as a family to do nothing but be in each other’s presence. During that time, go around the table and share ways that you are thankful for one another. Finish by praying and thanking God for time together as a family. Ask God to help make time as a family a priority.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for your unconditional, inexplicable love. Help us to be confident in knowing that Your love will endure any mistakes we could ever make because You are our perfect Father. Amen.