Bible Study Verses
Luke 15: 22-24
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. (NIV)
Thoughts
A couple of years ago my daughter and her husband walked through the heartbreaking stress of a teenage son's rebellion expressed through drug and alcohol abuse. He was expelled from high school. As he said, "It was either go to jail or join the army." He was joking when he said it, but he did not realize how correct he was.
After receiving his GED, enlisting in the army, and while preparing for rotation to Iraq, he went AWOL for almost 60 days. During this time he would contact his parents by phone, but would never reveal his location. Finally, he let his Dad know that he wanted to come home.
Most of the extended family counseled the parents encouraging tough love and turning their son into the military authorities. But they didn't; the father drove to where the young man was staying and brought him back into the family. After a couple of weeks at home, the father took his son back to his military post and the prodigal is now completing his military obligation in Iraq.
(Tom B)
Action Point
This time in our grandson's and his parents' life is so similar to the parable of the prodigal son. The wayward son squandered his life through rebellion, drugs, and alcohol. When he wanted to come home, his father "killed the fattened calf for him! He was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Our grandson's father continued in his love and faith to his son and would not let go, just as our heavenly father loves us through hard times and good times.
Those of us who have not had to go through a trying experience like this one can reach out and offer love to a youth by introducing them to the outdoors. Take them on a camping trip, a hike, or a fishing trip; it doesn't have to be anything elaborate. You just want to show these kids that there are people out there who love and care for them, even though they may have messed up their lives.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Get involved. Big Brothers is one way to mentor a young person. Check with your local parks and recreation program in your city for other agencies and opportunities that could use your help.
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