Article November 11, 1967 Issue

"All that I have"

KIMMIS HARTLEY HENDRICK

We may feel a measure of contentment with our circumstances and see no need to change our way of living or to break away from our customary surroundings. Or we may wish urgently for new fields of interest and new scenes. Whatever our attitude, do we not nevertheless desire to attain a more expansive sense of good? The words of the father to the elder son in Christ Jesus' famous parable of the prodigal son are pertinent, "Son, thou art ever with me. and all that I have is thine."^{Luke 15:31;}

In the parable, the wandering son is shown as longing for a wider life. He travels far. He finds disillusionment and disappointment. When he comes to himself, as the Bible says, he gladly returns home.

That homecoming was remarkable. The wayward son thought he was coming home to penitence and submission. But the father saw him "a great way off." He ordered for him "the best robe," a ring for his hand, shoes for his feet. Then, to the elder brother, who complained that for all his faithfulness he had never been feted or feasted, the father spoke the truth for both his heirs. He said, "Thou art ever with me." And he stressed, "All that I have is thine."

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