“For this my son was dead.”

In Luke chapter 15 there is a familiar story about a man we call "The Prodigal Son."

Throughout this story -as the son turns his life around and comes home, his father embracing him with joy and gratitude, the son saying he wasn't worthy to be called a son- the father says this line. “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."

If you haven't already learned this, this isn't a story about a father and a son, it's a story about all of us. You, and me.

That sentence has a special place in my heart and mind. Not only have I made my fair share of mistakes, but being someone who does suffer from mental health challenges, I relate to this a lot. Guilt can be a frequent feeling that accompanies bouts of anxiety, depression and other challenges. Guilt for causing pain and heartache to myself and others I care about. It's easy to feel lost with the trials life confronts us with. Its scary, and its not easy. I'm not a cynic, I'm actually a very positive person, but I also see the reality of things.

With all that being said I am just grateful I have knowledge of a loving Father in Heaven who says that same thing about me. “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."

This line from Luke chapter 15 is a beacon of hope. For those moments when I’ve drifted far away from myself or from God, it’s a reminder to come to myself and come back home. Home being a place where I feel most like who we’re designed to become. There are many times I feel like I am “dead” in a sense. But I’ve learned that I will always have moments when I feel alive again, and it’s the same for all of you.

We say that we live and then one day we die, but in a way we live and die every day. Parts of ourselves pass away and other parts are born. Where we are at in this moment, won’t last forever...whether you’re happy or unhappy right now. Ups and downs come and go, just don’t let the ups or downs become a fake permanent. The state we wish to be in throughout our lives is a living breathing concept, therefore it needs constant care. It’s always going to require effort, because we will not always make the right choices and we will not always do things perfectly, and we will not always be where we want to. That is why the example of the prodigal son is so important. We need to know that we can always turn around and come back when we open our eyes and realize we are not where we want to be. That does not mean, however, that the journey back will be easy. Just because we made the decision, doesn’t mean we won’t still struggle. Remember, it’s not about where you are, it’s where you’re headed.

So, to end this, I say that turning toward the “father,” (whatever that symbolizes for you) is worth it. Those who love you will be there and embrace you, and even if you don’t have that support, I promise you that there is ALWAYS your Heavenly Father who does love you and that fact never changes. You’re never too far gone, you’re never a bad person because you have struggles, you’re never beyond the reach of forgiveness and love.