Anthony...
Kenny and Anthony this morning...
Ever since I was a young man, I loved the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. In my mind, the story offered the hope of redemption to all who go astray at one time or another.
For most of my life I misunderstood a key portion of the narrative. I always believed the story got its name because the wayward son made a prodigious or miraculous recovery from his reckless path. However, a few years back, I realized the true definition had nothing to do with miracles at all. A prodigal is not the same as a prodigy. In fact, a prodigal is someone who squanders resources and opportunities through riotous living. In that regard, the prodigal son of the Bible was so named because he wasted his father's inheritance. To be called a prodigal is not a compliment.
And yet, the prodigal son of the Bible did return to his father's household. He really did find forgiveness, and he really did encounter a miracle of transformation.
My mind is carried back to the biblical story because my son Anthony was released from jail at 5:30 this morning. Sadly, he looked much older and harder than I remember. As he resumes his life on the outside, I wonder which part of the story he will embody. Will he continue the same reckless path of wasted opportunities, or like the prodigal son of the Bible, will he come to his senses and seek reconciliation to all that is? He still has such a good heart. All possibilities reside within him, and only his choice will reveal the outcome.
For most of my life I misunderstood a key portion of the narrative. I always believed the story got its name because the wayward son made a prodigious or miraculous recovery from his reckless path. However, a few years back, I realized the true definition had nothing to do with miracles at all. A prodigal is not the same as a prodigy. In fact, a prodigal is someone who squanders resources and opportunities through riotous living. In that regard, the prodigal son of the Bible was so named because he wasted his father's inheritance. To be called a prodigal is not a compliment.
And yet, the prodigal son of the Bible did return to his father's household. He really did find forgiveness, and he really did encounter a miracle of transformation.
My mind is carried back to the biblical story because my son Anthony was released from jail at 5:30 this morning. Sadly, he looked much older and harder than I remember. As he resumes his life on the outside, I wonder which part of the story he will embody. Will he continue the same reckless path of wasted opportunities, or like the prodigal son of the Bible, will he come to his senses and seek reconciliation to all that is? He still has such a good heart. All possibilities reside within him, and only his choice will reveal the outcome.
Tell Anthony there are a lot of hopeful humans rooting for him with silent prayers and best wishes.
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Barry ~ I wondered how you were doing and 'googled' your name. You've had some very interesting blogs, one I found was on racial/social divides. Glad to see that you and your lovely wife enjoyed Hawai'i, also glad to see pictures of your prodigal, Anthony. He reminds me of my new favorite word, 'amelorate' that says anything bad can become good if our Creator so wills it. Francis Cuyallah (sp) speaks to/prays for those with jail time. They've seen more contamination and need our extra hugs/prayers. Hey, he's got you to look forward to and then, onto our gracious Creator. Anyhow, I'm glad to see your smiling face on your blog.
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