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Me-Maw Thoughts

Number 580

May 24, 2022///

Years ago, our son Ron was in the army. He was stationed in Germany, and it had been a long time since we had seen him. He was coming home for leave and I could not contain my excitement. There were some plane delay issues but finally we were at the Atlanta Airport waiting for his flight to land.

Back in those days you could go to the gate and wait for passengers to disembark the plane. As we waited with signs of welcome home, I remember the feelings rolling through me as I intently watched the door to get a glimpse of my baby boy.

One man came out the door and tried to be funny saying to our group “There are no more people on the plane.” He quickly laughed and said he was joking but to this mother that was not funny.

As our son came through the door, I ran and hugged him and welcomed him and at that moment if he had requested the moon, I probably would have tried to figure out how to get it. It had been a long time. We rejoiced, celebrated, cooked his favorite food. He and I had an awesome time fellowshipping with each other

I was expecting as I waited, loving as I ran to him, compassionate as I ask exactly what he wanted to do each day, and provided food and celebrated.

Jesus tells a story of a young man who asked for and received his inheritance. Took it and went to a far country and wasted it, and finally returned home to be forgiven and reunited with his father. We call this the story of the prodigal son!

Yes, the situation is different since my son was serving his country in the military, but I understand some of the fathers’ feelings and can relate to them.

Luke 15:20-23 (KJV)
²⁰ And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
²¹ And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
²² But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
²³ And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

Look with me at this loving father!

He was watching. He saw his son while he was a great way off which seems to indicate he watched for him continually.

The father ran to him. He did not wait for the son to get to him but ran to meet him, hugged, and kissed him.

He did not listen to excuses, but put the best robe on him, a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

This was restoration at it’s finest, the robe showed royalty, the ring the family authority, and the shoes showing he was family. Servants in that day did not wear shoes.

Unlike I had to do with our son, the father totally forgave the son’s rebellion. He welcomed him with open arms.

May I tell you today that whether you have rebelled and wasted your life, or you just took a wrong turn for a short while, or you are like this fathers older son and have a non-loving attitude, or are just tired of being the one trying to do right, the Father, our Daddy God, is watching and waiting for you to make a move toward home.

He is wanting to run to you, take you in His arms and make all things new. He forgives, forgets, and wraps the robe of righteousness around us.

He places the ring of the authority of Jesus on your finger and puts the shoes of the gospel of peace on your feet.

He welcomes and celebrates you and you can lean on Him and walk in all the authority of heaven no matter your past. It is his forgiveness and Love that makes us whole. We just need to take that step toward Him.

If you need, forgiveness and restoration, or just refreshing and direction, the Father is waiting, watching with open arms. One step toward Him and He will run toward you!

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Father, how awesome is your Love and Care for us. I ask you to help each of us understand that you see not only our situations, but you see inside us and know exactly what we need. Forgive us when we think our way is best. You will guide us into the amazing daily life you have planned. May we let you Love, provide, and guide us. In Jesus name I pray! Amen!

Love, MeMaw