switch up the roles.
a new perspective.
a perspective i am resistant to collect.
where i play the father.
luke 15:11-32
throughout my life i have identified as being the son.
i have a little note in my bible around verse 24-30 that says “Me… 2017”. in 2017 i was the son who stayed home. i was the one who honored my family by not bringing more stress and anxiety. i was trustworthy and simple. my sister had left home and situations were tense, but i stayed home. i played the role of the son who everyone seems to forget about in the story. the one who in the end struggled with anger, bitterness, hatred and confusion. the one who played the victim card, name called and blamed the returned sibling. even though the struggles of the one who stayed home aren’t actions or outward, they are just as rotten. that was me 2017, yet the Father sought me out. He looked at me and invited me to the celebration. i was seen. grace was extended. celebration was had.
this past year, before coming on the race, i identified as the other son. the one who left, maybe not physically but nonetheless left. i was a mess, hopped on the path of emptiness and road that leads to destruction. it took many people and events to help me realize i’m not meant to be away from home. it’s empty and poor without the Father. it was time to come home. home to my Father, who eagerly waited. it was time to curl into His arms that are always extended by grace and love.
i’ve played the roles of the sons. i’m pretty good at identifying to the ones that receive grace and love. but now, Jesus said to me:
it’s now time to identify as playing the role of the father.
you’ve been deeply hurt, but still show extravagant grace to the person who hurt you.
this is more than just forgiving. this is running to the person who hurt you with open arms, throwing a party to celebrate them. no room for bitterness, only achy love. watching and waiting, ready to receive with joy and celebration EVEN WHEN the one who hurt you comes back with nothing to offer.
i was the sons and now it’s time for me to be the father.
maybe Jesus is telling you to take on a new perspective, maybe He’s pursuing you now. sought you and brought you or is seeking you now waiting for your return or maybe you’re like me; needing to be the one who seeks, ready to celebrate.
you have received the grace, now it’s time for you to give the grace. be eager for your achy love to turn into joy because of the extended grace and mercy. -Jesus
much love,
emi
