He’d wandered so far and made such a mess,
With mud on his shoes and his heart in distress.
His pockets were empty. His pride was all gone.
But still he walked home … step by step, on and on.
“I’ve failed,” he said sadly. “I’ve wasted it all.
I’ve stumbled and crumbled and taken a fall.
But maybe my father will be merciful and kind
If I ask for a job and leave my past behind.”
Off in the distance, far down the long track,
His father stood watching and didn’t hold back.
He spotted his son on the long, dusty way,
And took off running without the slightest delay.
With arms open wide and tears in his eyes,
He ran to his son, filled with joy and surprise.
He hugged him and kissed him, saying from his heart,
“I’ve missed you. I love you. Let’s make a new start.”
No scolding, no lecture, no told-you-so speech,
Just mercy and love placed within easy reach.
For when a lost child comes home on the run,
A father’s open arms is great joy for the son.
