12.27.2009

This morning Tisha and I sat in on a bible class on parenting. It consisted of a video where a man presented material based on the story of the prodigal son. It was well done.

Earlier this year, I read Henri Nouwen’s book on the prodigal story. I couldn’t help but reflect upon how I was so unlike the parable’s father figure. It just proved how far removed I am from the heart of the Father.

Interestingly enough, as I see it, the material presented in the video pushed the parenting envelope. The regular attendees of the class suggested that what was being taught, principally, was unique by way of the prodigal story. And such makes sense. Given what we’ve been taught about parenting, the prodigal’s father did everything wrong.

1. He didn’t put his foot down to his son when he demanded his inheritance. Remember, demanding his inheritance was tantamount to saying, “I wish you were dead.”
2. He didn’t rub it in his son’s face, upon his return, suggesting he was stupid for what he did.
3. He didn’t punish him, but instead he had compassion on him and threw him a party.

These are just a few of the noteworthy things that the father didn’t do. Yet, many of us would suggest that such was poor parenting, wouldn’t we?  But isn’t the father…God? Does that even matter? Does it, in any way, make a difference in how I should live out my own personal, fatherhood? It should. But to do so would send mixed messages wouldn’t it?

I’m glad I sat in that class today. It got me to thinking more about whose pattern should we be following. It wasn’t the same old tired mantra we’ve heard for years. It challenged us to see parenting from God’s perspective…something I simply haven’t done.