“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:22-24

When I’ve read the story of the prodigal son or listened to it preached, I usually identify with one of the sons. But Scruffy (my husband) mentioned something on Easter Sunday that has stayed with me.

We’re in full-time ministry. We have been for a long time (24 years, give or take) and Scruff and I have been at this long enough to see kids come and go and then come back again.

This young woman worked at camp years ago. We did our best to encourage her walk with the Lord and be people who brought God’s light into her world rather than darkness. But she wandered and we lost track of her and for a time it seemed as though God would not be a part of her journey.

This happens with so many kids.

I have seen pastors and youth leaders grow truly discouraged with this occurs. Scruff and I have grown truly discouraged when this occurs. But we kept on doing what God called us to do, even with all our inadequacies, and something amazing started to happen.

Kids grew up, spent years on a journey away from God, and then their hearts began to yearn for Him once more.

We see them at the grocery store. “Hi, Boo Boo. Say hello to Scruff for me. You know, I haven’t been following God . . . but I’ve been thinking about Him lately.”

Sometimes they call to share exciting news or when the world is crashing down around them. Sometimes they look us up when their own children grow old enough for camp and the memories spring to mind.

Sometimes they just show up at camp out of the blue, to walk the trails, visit Inspiration Point, or to stand in the forest alone and risk trying to pray again.

“We are the servants,” Scruff said.

Remember the story of the prodigal son? How the loving Father rushed down the road to interrupt his son’s apology and pull him into His arms. And who is He talking to as he interrupts? His servants. “Quick! The best robe, some fancy jewelry, sturdy sandals! Clothe my son and then prepare a feast. Rejoice with me!”

And so on Easter Sunday, we were honored to play the part of the servants.

No, we didn’t butcher any cows, but we stood cheering in the balcony while this young woman was baptized, again. I did my classic Boo Boo football game cheer that always embarrasses our sons and Scruff took a video with his phone and rushed to give her and her boyfriend huge hugs.

Sometimes it is discouraging to be a servant. To watch the Father grieve as His son walks away, to see him glancing down the road one more time, to see the older son growing bitter. But then there are days like Easter Sunday. A day when your Master shouts for you, “Bring the best robe!” The day you scramble for the ring and the sandals and rush to your Lord’s side.

It was so good to celebrate with our Lord on just that kind of day.

 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:22-24

Boo Boo