For most of my life, I’ve read this parable and seen myself in the older son — the one who did things the “right” way (only to develop a real chip on his shoulder, but that’s for another reflection). In fact, I’ve always seemed like the opposite of the prodigal, carefully pinching my pennies thanks to the excellent financial education my parents gave me in my formative years, always looking for creative ways to stretch my nonprofit salary a little further so I could live within my means. But can I ever relate to wanting something I was not actually ready for. Just about every romantic relationship before I turned 40 yields ample evidence that I have more in common with the prodigal son than I’d like to admit.
No matter what I *think* I want, a sense of urgency behind my desire is a telltale sign that what I need most is something much deeper: love, peace, a sense of control, a little confidence that things are going to be okay. Whatever restlessness or hunger is underneath all that wanting — that’s where the real desire lies and where my work must be.
-- Erica Lloyd, Seekers Church
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There’s no better meditation for me when I am feeling restless and impatient than dancing around my kitchen to “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons at full volume.
