Christian, the lion

Several weeks ago, while searching out some answers to questions that I had been asked, I found myself studying about the Prodigal in Luke 15. We've all been there...on both sides of the fence. At times, I have been the one away, at others, I have been the one waiting for the return of someone I deeply love. You know how God does, something crosses our path and then it seems like God just keeps on talking to us about it in many different ways. Last week Cary and I went to visit Cary's mom who is recovering from a knee replacement surgery. We had Oprah on, and I was SO not expecting a sermon about the Prodigal! She was interviewing two men who had raised a lion, and eventually set it free in Africa. They returned a year later to visit "Christian" and had been told by experts that he would not remember them. They showed a video of the reunion, and I could not help but relate it to the Prodigal. Christian obviously DID recognize them and came running full force with complete abandon and affection. I love the moment he realizes they have returned to him, the look on his face before he starts to run for them! I could not stop thinking about it, and I have watched the video over and over. In fact, there is a book and I went and bought it, just to read for fun while Cary and I are cruising next week. I think you would also enjoy seeing the video, it only takes a minute. Sometimes I watch it and I am Christian, running with arms opened wide to greet my loved one. Other times I watch it and I am embraced with the love I have missed, but have returned to. You can't help but be blessed, no matter where you are. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVNTdWbVBgc