If you inspect my bookshelves, or hack into my library accounts and internet browsing history, you will find evidence that I love (and need) recipes and cookbooks, especially cookbooks with luscious, color photos. About 33 years ago you would also have found me sifting through a variety of parenting books and articles.
But I’m not alone in seeking recipes for almost everything. The proliferation of “how tos” available to the average person today is both fascinating and complicated. Throughout most of human history “how to” knowledge was simple but difficult, and almost always dispersed through family and close-knit community traditions. Regarding parenting, very few basics have changed.
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus illustrated a perpetual parenting conundrum faced by those with more than one child — “how to” proceed after realizing each child has a different personality and a different destiny. Uniform parenting templates suddenly appear inadequate. Furthermore, how do parents avoid favoritism when encountering these variables?
The most astounding feature in this tale is that the father resisted disowning either son — even after each committed the agonizing sacrileges of extremely hurtful actions and/or attitudes. It’s a testimony to the father’s stellar character that he continued to view them as his sons. Furthermore, he prepared himself to rejoice instantly when and if either of their hearts turned to him. His goal for both sons was full reinstatement to belonging.
The meticulous design of the three “lost” parables in Luke 15 spoke not only to the religiously tense audience of Pharisees and scribes but also to the morally lenient tax collectors and sinners. In the last story, whoever recognizes the Father’s consistently generous practices, and wholeheartedly turns to him, is assured a path back home that is remarkably free of obstacles.
Many “how to” books, videos, pamphlets, etc. have been designed as uniform templates to reach diverse audiences in need of the path back home to our Heavenly Father. None are superior to the simple beauty of this parenting parable. Jesus sets out three basic recipe ingredients for mending any relationship — grace, kindness and joy, demonstrated by the words and actions of the loving father.
Use this rousing musical narrative to recall your own return to our Heavenly Father, while you are praying for someone else’s restoration. As the younger or older “brother”, prepare your heart for a “belonging party”.
by Kathleen Petersen
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