The Prodigal Son

A man will often rant and curse the gift of light.

He sometimes despises its truth though he knows its right.

His ways are his ways; there is no need to set him straight.

He would rather wander in the darkness than to seek simple grace.

I have known this man and I have known him very well.

He was once proud and arrogant on his way to certain hell.

He walked in blessings that he thought he made on his own.

He had much; then he had nothing; he had reaped what he had sown.

Then one day he looked unto the angry overcast and graying sky.

He fell on his face and repented to the God he knew when he was nine.

The clouds soon lifted and the darkness that consumed began to roll away.

He no longer cursed the light, but accepted its warm embrace.

Time rolled on as new and greater blessing came his way.

He smiled the smile of glory and blossomed in his new found grace.

Month became years and his heart once again returned to stone.

He had without knowing slipped back into the darkness alone.

Wars burned and fell beneath his feet; battles raged in the perception of his need.

Then once again he fell on his face; he repented of the darkness that his soul did feed.

Now like unto the prodigal son he once again found his way back to his Fathers home.

He was dressed in the finest raiment and he was welcomed back to be by his father’s side.

Though he had squandered his gifts that his father had gave and danced the devils bride.

He was welcomed back into the fold; he was forgiven his sins and once again he embraced the light.

Years moved on and in his days he grew old.

He married a woman of God whom he cherished with his soul.

Life was again good as he followed the guiding light.

Then one day unawares the darkness came suddenly to claim his wife.

Again he fell on his face and sought the father of love and grace.

He prayed and prayed until he felt he would burst inside.

Then the Father spoke “Give unto me your all and I will spare your wife”

The man rose up with tear stained cheeks and said, “have of me what you will oh lord

and I will to you give of my life”.

He prayed that day; he prayed all that night.

He sought His presence and devoted his life.

Oh yes I know man and I know man to be this way.

I know this man for I see his reflection every day.

How many times has he fallen only to be returned back into the fold?

How many times would the father forgive if the truth be known?

Thank you Father; thank you oh God for leading me home.

J. Allen Wilson © 7/2008

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

II Peter 3: 8-9