The Prodigal Son...

So the Gospel reading for yesterday was the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  We've all heard it before.  And I'm sure we've all struggled with it before.  I think we all initially identify with the older son; the one who stayed with his father, was loyal and hardworking.  We think about how unfair it is when the rebellious son comes home, and he receives all of the glory.  But then after we give it some thought, I think we all identify with the rebellious son.  As sinners, I think we should find it very comforting.  God is like that forgiving father.  He's loving us and waiting for us to repent and come back to him.  He's waiting with open arms to celebrate our return.

As this reading was taking place at church yesterday, I was thinking about my classroom.  I was thinking about those kids who just don't want to/can't seem to behave.  The ones you have to put on "behavior contracts" and basically bribe in order to act right.  They are ornery, obnoxious, and/or disrespectful a good portion of the time.  And when they finally make a good choice or stay on task, you better believe you celebrate it.  They get a big "thank you", a treat, a pat on the back, etc.  Just about anything to try and reinforce that behavior.  But what about those kids that are good all the time...just because it's what they're supposed to be doing?  They're always on task, they're always respectful, they just do what's right.  It's not fair.  As teachers, we do our best not to take these kids for granted.  We try to make sure they know how much they are appreciated.  But then, I guess that's life isn't it?  Frustrating and unfair at times, and full of opportunities to both forgive and be forgiven.

We all have our moments when we're like the loyal older son.  We all have our moments when we are like the rebellious son.  We should all just take comfort in the fact that no matter who we are or what we've done, we've got our Father who loves us.

Just some thoughts.