Invitation to Repent

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If you want to know what was the best birthday gift I have ever received, it was a phone call from a dad who shared that his daughter was alive. His 14 year-old daughter threaten suicide last week. In this crisis, I immediately recommended that he get her assessed and if needed into a mental health facility to keep her safe. I learned that the mental health team felt that it was necessary to keep her for five days for observation.

Now this dad called me again to give me an update on his daughter’s progress. He was feeling confused and sad because his daughter did not want to speak to him. This father called the parents of her boyfriend to share that the kids were having sex. When she was discharged from the treatment, the boyfriend broke off the relationship. The daughter was furious and blamed dad for the breakup.

No doubt, it’s tough being a parent, but it doesn’t compare to the sorrow of a parent who learns that their child committed suicide. Instead of tragedy, she was back in school, started counseling and our dad needed some reassurance that he had done the right thing.

I reminded him about the story of the prodigal son, yes our kids don’t measure up to our expectations, but we need to be hopeful and at times very firm, No sex, no drugs, no more drama or nonsense, God has blessed you with all the gifts to grow up to be a loving nurturing parent someday, but not just today.

So if you are parent with a child, a rebellious teen, and a young adult who resents you from the past remember the love of this dad in the story of the prodigal son. Neither of his boys understood the love that he offered them. Both of them had to accept that they were loved by their father no matter who they are and no matter what they have done. They could always come home and find forgiveness. Jesus told this story to remind us of his Father’s love, the same love that God has for you when you are tempted to be selfish, critical of others, self-righteous, or simply not at your best.

Praise Jesus that he is patient with all his children of all generations whether we are six, sixteen or seventy-six. We are all in need of repentance and to be honest it takes time, understanding and patience.

Let us pray and reflect: But you are merciful to all, for you can do all things, and you overlook people’s sins, so that they may repent. “ (Wisdom 11:23).

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they know my humble gratitude for their prayers and gifts. Yours cards, specialty coffees and breads were the best. May the Lord continue to bless each of you on your Lenten journey.