Sometimes, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, it is really easy to point our fingers at the individuals who decide to turn their backs on their faith and identify them as "the prodigals," so to speak. However, as I have grown older and (hopefully) just a little bit wiser, I have come to realize that I am the prodigal son in the story. In fact, I identify with the prodigal son more now than I do with the son who decided to stay.
The prodigal son only leaves and then returns home once in the story. Ours, however, is a story of returning home day after day, month after month, and year after year. Our entire journey here on earth is a process of continually coming home.
In spite of the good intentions of my heart each day when I rise, I still find myself making mistakes (some of which are seemingly small) that could be easily overlooked. Sometimes it is a sin of commission, and often, it is a sin of omission. Repentance is not reserved for those who have completely turned their back on their faith and need to make their way back. Repentance is a powerful tool that disciples of Jesus Christ can use every day to become better than they were yesterday and progress on their journey back to Him.
As I reflect at the end of each day, I realize that in a sense, I have had many moments where I have left the home of my Father and I need to return again. That is where the beauty of the Lord's plan comes into play. It doesn't matter how many times we have left home. It doesn't matter how far from home we have wandered. We can always return. And He will always see us when we are "yet a great way off." He will have compassion and He will run to us. He will welcome us home with joy and with love. (Luke 15:20)
When I repent, He meets me with joy and love. I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. They knew that there would be times each and every day when I would make mistakes and leave my home, so to speak. So, They provided a clear, constant, and readily available pathway back through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
God's plan was never that we would become perfect on our own. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is just as much for those struggling with serious sins as it is for those dealing with seemingly small errors in their ways. It truly has the power to perfect us and make us better than we could ever be on our own.
