The Kiss of a Dad

Abbey Carmel didn’t know how many more family problems she could handle emotionally before she cracked wide open. In the past year her husband had almost lost [his] job, and her older son, Lawson had been involved in a traffic fatality on a weekend break from college. Recently, Abbey, her husband, Ned, and older son, Lawson, discovered the youngest child of the family, Dean, had left college to pursue a movie career, and had disappeared [to] far away Hollywood, California. [i]

        The reckless Lawson had become the responsible older son. Dean had become careless and had vanished without a clue or a cell phone call. All he’d left was a brief note saying not to worry; he’d emptied out his saving account to go pursue an acting career in Hollywood. No one needed to worry because Dean would be okay.

        Christmas Day finally arrived with coldness and lots of white snow. Abbey had cooked a feast; the Carmel’s big dog snored next to the roaring fire in the fireplace. The Christmas tree twinkled and sparkled with hundreds of white lights and festive ornaments. As the lush holiday music of [Nat King Cole] played gently on the stereo, Abbey looked at the gifts under the tree and hoped somehow Dean would contact them today.

        Abbey looked out the front window, and wondered who the tattered, grizzly beggar with a duffle bag was that was approaching their front door. It took no time for Ned to realize it was Dean. The front door swung open as Ned ran in his house slippers to greet and kiss his wayward younger son. Once family and dog greetings were made, tears were shed by Abbey, and the lunch feast was consumed, it was time to open all the Christmas gifts.[ii]

        Since the Carmel family had not heard from Dean in months, they assumed he might be dead or permanently lost to them. Dean’s gifts (though he didn’t expect anything better than the nothing a volunteer might receive) included a beautiful silk, crimson bathrobe and an antique ring from his father that once belonged to Dean’s grandfather. Dean was overcome with his parent’s unconditional generosity.

Everyone but Lawson was elated that the prodigal son was finally home. (Lawson thought it felt strange to finally be the good son.)     Lawson got angry, and cussed loudly to everyone’s amazement (including the dog). In the past months, Lawson had made a turn-around in his life. His parents were proud of the change. He’d not given them half as much worry as Dean had (or at least Lawson couldn’t think of anything).

        Abbey loved her two sons with all her heart, but sibling rivalry was a very ugly thing. She had to somehow fix this problem between her two sons because family was everything.

       

THE [CAST OF CHARACTERS]:  Implied unnamed mother of the prodigal (or lost son), unnamed father and sons

[BIBLICAL] LOCATION: Luke 15:11-32

[DISCUSSION QUESTIONS]:

1.  Should we be happy when those who we don’t determine deserve blessings from God receive them?

2.  Have you had any personal experiences with sibling rivalry?

3.  Can a single parent successfully be mother and father to their child (children)? What strengths do both a mother and father bring to a family?

THE [LESSON]: God will take you back into His arms of love no matter how far you’ve strayed from His will. The choice to return to God must be made willingly by you. God will never force you come back to Him.  [iii]

Artwork by a very young Allena Kinker

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[i] The term “brotherly love” refers to feelings of compassion for humanity.

[ii] “The Father’s Love” (Performed by Bob Carlisle from the movie, Jack Frost)

Three feet tall and full of questions
You must have thought
I was the smartest man alive
I didn't always have the answers
To every little how and where and why

Like "Daddy, why's the sky so blue today?"
"Does Jesus really hear me when I pray?"
"When I grow up, will I be just like you?"
"Will I be tall and strong and brave?"

There is no power on earth
like your fathers' love
So big and so strong as your father's love
A promise that's sacred,
a promise from heaven above
No matter where you go...
always know You can depend on
your father's love

Especially when it's cold,
especially when you're lonely
When your little heart is lost
trying to find it's way
I know the world is always changing
But, remember son, that some things never change

And even when my life on earth is through
There will still be a part of me in you
'Cause some things are forever
Nothing's ever gonna take my love from you

There is no power on earth
like your father's love
So big and so strong as your father's love
A promise that's sacred,
a promise from heaven above
Did I hug enough, did I care enough
When you most needed me,
Was I there enough
Enough to make you feel the power of
Your father's love

[iii] Adapted from All for One: The Towns of Ohio Complete Trilogy, book one chapter twenty-four “Homecoming of a Rebel” by Robert Kinker