I always wondered how the father was the first to see his son returning from a long way's off. Of all days, it had to be this day that the father was looking out at the direction the son was coming in. Isn't this strange? Then it hit me! It meant that everyday the prodigal son was gone, the father was always looking out for him, hoping and willing that he'd return one day. He never tired of it as after years that the son was gone he was still looking out. He never felt bitter or angry toward the son but continued to love him despite everything.

Our heavenly Father is like the father in the story only much more loving and hopeful and forgiving. He is always expecting to see you return to his loving arms and when you don't, He continues to wait without fail, without tiring and without losing hope.

How wonderful is our Father in heaven!