When you feel far from home,
Distant from love,
When shame whispers that you've gone too far and wandered far too long.
There is a Father who watches,
Who waits,
Who runs towards you with open arms.
His love is not something you earn,
It is who He is.
This,
Beloved,
Is your invitation to come home,
To receive the embrace you've been longing for.
Now,
Let yourself settle and notice your body.
Notice where you feel supported,
As you bring attention and awareness to your breathing.
Breathe in slowly,
Filling your lungs,
And breathe out gently,
Releasing.
Continue this natural rhythm,
In and out,
And with each exhale,
Allow your shoulders to soften,
Your jaw to relax,
Your palms to soften,
With your hands open.
Allow yourself to simply be here,
Breathing,
And present.
Now,
Imagine yourself sitting by the edge of a gentle stream.
The water flow is steady,
Continuously moving forward.
Thoughts may arise,
Along with worries,
Regrets,
Or even doubts.
Notice.
See each one as a leaf,
Floating on the surface of the water.
Some leaves are curled and brown,
Carrying shame.
Some leaves are torn,
Carrying old stories about your worth.
You don't need to reach for them,
Or try to stop them.
Simply watch them,
As they float by,
Carried off by the current.
You are not your mistakes,
And you are not your past.
You,
Beloved,
Are the peaceful observer,
Sitting by the water's edge,
Watching,
Breathing,
And being.
Now,
Listen to this story of love.
There was a son who left home,
Who squandered everything,
Who found himself empty and alone.
And when he came to his senses,
He thought,
I will go back to my father.
But he rehearsed a speech,
I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
So,
He began the long journey home,
Dusty,
Ashamed,
Rehearsing his unworthiness.
But while he was still a long way off,
His father saw him.
The father's heart was filled with compassion,
And he ran.
This dignified father ran to his son.
He threw his arms around him,
And kissed him.
The son began his speech,
Father,
I have sinned.
I am no longer worthy.
But the father wasn't listening to the words of unworthiness.
He was already calling,
Bring the best robe,
Put a ring on his finger,
And sandals on his feet.
This is how God loves you.
Not waiting for you to clean yourself up first.
Not requiring the perfect words,
But running towards you,
Embracing you,
And celebrating your return.
Right now,
In this moment,
Can you receive this love?
Not because you've earned it,
But because this is who the father is.
God is love.
He is running towards you,
Embracing you.
Let yourself rest in this truth.
Beloved,
You are seen by God.
You are pursued by God.
And you are beloved.
As we prepare to close,
Take one more deep breath in through your nose,
And slowly out through your mouth.
Breathe in to the father's love,
And breathe out any shame.
You have been embraced by love itself.
This is always true,
Even when you can't feel it.
The father is always watching,
Always running towards you,
Always ready to celebrate your return.
When shame rises,
When you feel distant,
Remember this embrace.
You are home.
You are loved.
You are his beloved.
Carry this love with you all the days of your life.
