The Non-Prodigal Daughter

I'm sure most people know the parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-32.  If not, here is my interpretation:

There is a family with a father and two sons.  The youngest is a spoiled brat who keeps bugging his father to receive his inheritance before his father dies.  The father finally relents, and says, "okay, here ya go!"  The youngest son then runs off to squander his riches.  Poor and destitute the youngest son returns and his father welcomes him with open arms and provides a lavish feast.  Meanwhile, the eldest brother is upset because his father has never given anything to him (not even a goat to eat with friends).  The Father reassures his eldest son that as the eldest he will inherit what is the father's, but that it is wonderful his brother has returned.

I have always been extremely bothered by this story.  On one hand, one can view the parable father as our Father in Heaven.  When we stray he is accepting and loving when we return to his fold.  That no matter what happens our Father will love us unconditionally.  Okay, I get that.  However, what about the other son?  Nothing is ever discussed about how he deals with the return of his special brother.  It is kind of reminiscent of Jacob's son Joseph and his relationship with the other brothers.  The youngest seems to get special treatment - no matter what.

To me, the eldest son did what was right, what he was SUPPOSED to do.  He did not beg his father for his inheritance before it was due, nor did he squander the money and bring shame to his family.  He did the RIGHT thing.

This parable hits very close to home.  I have spent my life doing what is right.  I was a bit mouthy as a child, but I always practiced my piano, did my homework, and did well in school.  I changed my major to business when I was convinced that music was a "silly" choice as a career; business would be more practical.  I only smoked cigarettes when I went out with friends, and had a handful of clove cigarettes during that time as well.  I never did drugs, I never failed to pay a bill, I never even got a speeding ticket until I was in my 20s.  I graduated high school and college with honors, and taught Sunday School every Sunday morning.

Oh there were failures: my first marriage, friendships, attempts at children's books, submissions of music, etc.  But in each failure there was a life lesson, and none involved not following "the rules".  In fact, maybe I should have NOT followed the rules more often.

Recently we were hoping to refinance our home.  It was purchased in 2002 during the housing boom.  We bought a "fixer-upper" and boy did we sink money into it.  But we only purchased something within our means.  We only used Jim's income, and the improvements have been mostly cosmetic and tender loving care.  When the government was helping out people who were having problems paying their mortgages I became very frustrated.  Even when Jim was unemployed in 2003, I paid the bills.  It was a struggle, but I did it.  When the government offered options for those who never missed a payment, I was thrilled!  However, only those with mortgages 150% or less under water could qualify.  What are we?  250%!  Yeah, so that's that.

I also can't help feeling frustrated when time and time again a person can show his/her true colors, but because of the blood relation we are supposed to overlook the events and behavior and welcome said person back into the fold.  I realize that is THE RIGHT thing to do, but it is ever so frustrating.  This person did wrong, and yet we are supposed to forget and forgive and move onward.

I suppose that I am the non-prodigal daughter.  The daughter who has done pretty much everything that she was supposed to do.  I must say that there are times when I feel it would be easier to be the other daughter - wouldn't it?