I am discovering exactly what the prodigal did—

Who taking his father’s inheritance in pursuit of the life and the will he wanted,

Found that there is no deeper love

Than the very one he squandered.

When we learn to live beloved,

To trust the love that casts out all fear,

We learn not only how great our God is;

But that we, ourselves, in all our unique intricacies, are a gift.

A gift of creation, being made new.

We find a new identity,

And a new hope.

It is tempting to be like the older brother,

The faithful one standing above it all,

not embraced by his father’s love.

Pride itself is a fall, and self-obsession can easily plague.

Learn to let go of what you can’t hold onto. And re-learn.

We can be so close and not see,

not allow ourselves the true embrace we really need.

Be embraced by the Father. It is through Christ we can abide in his love.

It is likely exactly the key, to quench that thirst that you’ve felt for so long.

There is a fount of water that does not run out in the Spirit.

And you learn that you, yes you,

Yourself, are a gift—in your job, in your family, in your community--called to a greater mission, and a great adventure, more life-giving than you could ever find on your own.

It might mean you will go across the world, but more likely it will start in your own yard, with the Father’s embrace, saying son, daughter—you are a gift. Receive me, and my gift for you.

This gift is a true inheritance, one that will not fade away, and one that you can trust with your very life, for your entire life.

A new inheritance, one that will not be destroyed.