I trudge along the streets, light breaking out from the horizon as the sun rises in the sky. Lifting up my eyes, I gaze at my father’s house in the distance, the building towering above all others.

Blisters litter my feet, every step forcing out gasps from my mouth. But I refuse to stop, my mind racing.

I had been gone for too long. Would my father recognize me? Would he accept me back? What about my elder brother?

My gaze lands on a biscuit wrapper and I bend to pick it up. I find crumbs inside, so I throw them into my mouth. At least that would suffice for the meals I had missed for days now. Perhaps if my father doesn’t accept me, I would beg to join his servants. Their state is still better than my current one.

I limp towards father’s gate, but as I near it, it flings open and my father dashes towards me. I see the tears in his eyes as he wraps his arms round me and draws me into his embrace.

“Father–”

“It’s okay son.” Father whispers, his arms tightening around me.

Moments later, he pulls away and leads me into the compound, barking orders at his servants to get me a change of clothes and to kill the fattest cow to celebrate my return.

“My son is back home.” Father says, his eyes dancing with joy. “My son is back home.”

I blink back tears, but they refuse to retreat. With my hand clutching my father’s, he guides me into our home, where I’d always belonged. I realize now that I should have returned a long time ago. Father would never have condemned me. Instead, he would have welcomed me with a loving heart, just like he did now.

How far have you wandered away from your Heavenly Father? Just like the father of the prodigal son, God is waiting for you to return to Him. His arms are itching to receive you, and His heart is beating with love just for you.

Come back home, dear son/daughter, for your Father’s home is also yours. Don’t be shy, don’t be afraid. Return to God, and you’ll be ushered into His presence with shouts of joy by the angels as they sing, “Welcome back!”