‘The Long Road Home’ for Kids Who “Wander”

Is Happiness the Goal?

Children today are being raised in a society that perpetually tells them they are meant to be happy and that they should feel free to do whatever feels good to find that elusive happiness. Kids often look for that happiness in trying to be good enough. They tend to seek their purpose in trying to be the best—or at least better than those around them. Or perhaps they seek satisfaction through the coolest toys, best clothes, newest phones, or video games.

One of my children often struggles with feeling like she’s the only one who isn’t athletic enough, musical enough, artistic enough, etc. She doesn’t know where she “fits.” And for all these scenarios, God’s word provides the answers—and the happiness—we seek.

In Luke 15, the story of the prodigal son speaks to many of these different spiritual dynamics. Its narrative and characters show us our naturally rebellious hearts, our pride, selfishness, sinfulness, and our desire to be known and loved. The more we read, the more we recognize our desire to be independent from God, and yet we also find a patient and gracious God who is always longing for our return.

In The Long Road Home, I wanted to show the overall plot of the story of the prodigal son. Yet I also wanted to expand upon it, using allegory. This illustrative tool, as John Bunyan discovered with his The Pilgrim’s Progress, can help teach all ages. I have found that children (and adults) seem to connect with these truths more deeply when they see themselves in the story. It’s another way of inviting readers to step into the truth, similar yet different from preaching or retelling a well-known Bible story.

Much like how the The Pilgrim’s Progress shows the journey of the entire Christian life, this book aims to show the journey of searching for purpose and happiness in all the wrong places. It also showcases the Father’s unending love for each of us; he’s ready to receive us when we reach the place of desperation and see our depravity and need for his forgiveness.

I believe that the younger son, being called “Wander,” will help many children relate to our natural desire to “wander” from God. We wander away to the world, seeking our happiness there, rather than with the One who gave us life, who knows what is best for us, and who provides everything we need. The ups and downs of Wander’s journey also reveal the feelings of shame that come up when we know we’ve made sinful choices. Instead of running back to God, we’re tempted to hide in shame or make ourselves feel better by making more poor choices.

Because of Jesus, God is always ready to receive us home with a heart of forgiveness.

Yet most of all, this story lays out the gospel for sinners who have all turned their backs on God their Father. However, because of Jesus, God is always ready to receive us home with a heart of forgiveness. He rejoices over every sinner who returns to him in repentance.

Lastly, as families read this book together, they’ll discover tendencies to be like Wander’s older brother. The story speaks to those who have more of a tendency to be “do-gooders.” Like the older brother, we feel like we are better than others and deserve more. Why? Because we haven’t been as outwardly sinful and foolish as our sibling, friend, or classmate. This character reveals the Pharisee in each of us and how we are all in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Sarah Walton is the author of The Long Road Home: A Tale of Two Sons and a Father's Never-Ending Love.

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