Jesus told many parables, and one of my favorites is the prodigal son. Every time I think about that father watching from the window, hoping for a glimpse of his beloved child, then running to greet the boy who’d rebelled and disappointed him, I get choked up. That boy had wallowed in pig pens! Can you imagine how bad he smelled? But it didn’t stop his father from gathering him close.

I get stinky sometimes. I get too focused on things that don’t matter, my attitude gets out of sorts, or I neglect to do the things that I know are healthy for my soul. But every time I come to Him in repentance, He gathers me close and whispers, “My beloved child.” His love is unfailing despite my failures. What a wonderful, loving, patient Father is my Father-God.