A bit more writing around the theme of fatherhood- stimulated by a discussion with a friend who has particular challenges to face in his own fathering…

Our fathering arises from human brokenness

And so is easily broken

We are prodigals, coming home

.

Our fathering arises in a place where we struggle for power and control

And so it can become oppressive

Or even abusive

We are prodigals, coming home

.

Our fathering finds the limits of our patience, our tolerance and our finances

It can be conditional

And we can be easily angered

We are prodigals, coming home

.

Our fathering can be decayed by divorce and marital disharmony

It can become distant and removed

We are prodigals, coming home

.

Our fathering can be stolen by death, leaving us in desperate grief

And terribly alone

We are prodigals, coming home

.

Yet even we, who are so human

Know how to love

It is shaped within us

Waiting

.

We know how to give the best for our children

We do not give a stone when they ask for bread

Or a razor blade

When they ask for a plastic toy

Or a used syringe

When they ask for expensive shoes

.

How much more…

How much more will we encounter

When we meet you-

Heavenly father?

We are prodigals, coming home