A warm welcome back. Again.

After being a prodigal son several times over, I'm tempted to think that I've burned through my last chance. Humanly speaking, it's easy to get angry at someone who breaks off a relationship repeatedly. Divorce lawyers bank their careers on this practice. Yet when I come back to Jesus, I'm surprised at the warmth of the reception when I finally return. And that's just from the church.

The prodigal son parable is one of my favorites because of its redemptive message. The son steals off with half his fathers wealth, blows it all on prostitutes and booze and comes back stinking of pig feces. Instead of brow-beating the son, the father throws his arms around him and throws a huge party.

On one hand, I'm thankful for a God who's willing to show such mercy and forgiveness. On the other, I'm ashamed at my pride and ungratefulness. I'm grateful for God's mercy, but I can't get caught like a bridesmaid without enough oil for her lamp.