The younger son requests the entire share of his inheritance from his father. In his love, the father grants his request.
Many of us, as we reach our late teens, want to break free from the restrictions of living at home and hangups from our school years. The adult world out there is enticing, and we deplore the demands of our
parents, our chores and the apparently mundane lives we are leading. It’s so much more exciting out there. In some cases, the adults in our lives set us free with love, but often, we “run” away, afraid of the criticism and challenge that will accompany our decisions.
The young man in this text had access to resources, and he could travel abroad, where he lived a prodigal lifestyle. He was wastefully extravagant, spending
the money freely and recklessly on materialistic and physical pleasure.
Many young people do not have the financial means that would allow them to do this, but can still live prodigal lives - squandering opportunities for further education, missing job opportunities and becoming slaves of peer pressure, which may lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Are there times
in my life where I have been reckless with my possessions, talent or opportunities?
How can I use my gifts, talents, privilege and possessions in a life-giving and fruitful way?
Reflections by Ursula van Nierop
