Separation, Restoration, Celebration

Lost and Found

The fifteenth chapter of Luke has three stories that teach us about separation, restoration, and celebration. These stories, or parables, are about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Parables help teach spiritual, moral, or general life lessons, and these three stores share a similar theme of a loss, followed by a return, followed by a celebration.

Turning Point

Of these stories, the "Parable of the Lost Son" is the most familiar. It’s a great story that sends a powerful life message. Wherever you are, it’s not too late for a fresh start. In the story, the son was reckless with his lifestyle and wasteful with his resources. But when he decided to return to his father he was immediately welcomed back with a celebration. Notice that the father did not judge or try to make the son feel shame or guilt. Rather, he showed genuine love, joy, and excitement.

Prodigal and Optimal

What a great way to think about optimal and intentional living. In any area of life, we are always welcome to start over, right where we are. When we pay attention, we can more clearly see the areas that need improvement and decide to take action or not. Choosing to act is a decision to live a better, more optimal life. Every intention action, no matter how small, gets us a tiny step closer to our dream life. We are all capable of prodigal living, and we are capable of intentional, optimal living.

Celebrate

No matter where we are, more optimal life is waiting for us. But we have to be patient with ourselves because meaningful change takes time. Appreciate the decision and appreciate the process. In the story, the father didn’t judge, condemn, or shame the returning son. He just welcomed him back and celebrated. That a pretty powerful lesson. Every day is a perfect to day to make progress toward a better, more optimal life. And that sure beats eating pig slop.

Enjoy the day!