I heard the familiar story, told again today.

Again it challenged me, in a special way.

Of a rebellious son, and a father’s pain.

Imagine, what neighbours were saying.

Then foolish son sees the failure he is.

Father overjoyed, greets with a kiss.

And then of course, we cannot forget.

Older brother, who is so very upset.

The challenge laid down, again to hear.

Seems so simple,so obvious,and so clear.

Or is there more than first meets the eye?

I have to ask the question. Just who am I?

Rebellious son , want to take what is mine.

Enjoy life selfishly, thinking all will be fine.

Wasted and squandered so many years,

In heartache, disappointment, and in tears.

Came back knowing, I have little to give.

Can I do something, will Father forgive?

“who has given to God that he should repay”

The Father gives gladly, is what bible does say.

But I also are cast in the fathers role.

I see my children, and fear for each soul.

I worry they might make bad choices again.

My fault surely, as Dad, I feel totally to blame.

Will they come home, when desperate and sad?

I to welcome and greet with heart that is so glad.

Or could I be like elder brother, so bitter and surly?

Consistent, loyal, hardworking,and so trustworthy.

So why would I celebrate a brother like him.

Whole life from beginning steeped in such sin.

Yes Father may forgive, and have a great heart.

But no way, can I forget the past, for my part.

So just who am I in this story, told to illustrate.

Our response to life is neither fickle nor fate.

Rebellious son, loving father, brother in a stew.

Your true heart revealed, the world will see you.

Each character I know, has at sometime been me.

Yet God knew my weakness, and has set me free.

I celebrate with all who have now come to know.

Our God’s love and forgiveness, he did bestow.

It is there for the asking, just turn up it would seem.

A party for all, beyond expectation, or wildest dream.

Asaw Miller