The story of the prodigal son is one of the most well-known parables Jesus told, but sometimes we miss the deeper meaning behind the word “prodigal.” It doesn’t just mean someone who is careless with money—it’s about living recklessly, wasting precious time and energy on things that don’t truly satisfy. Imagine demanding something valuable—like an inheritance—before its right time, almost as if saying, “I don’t need my family or my past. I want to live my own way now.” That’s exactly what the young son did. His rebellion wasn’t just about money; it was a rejection of his father’s love and wisdom. Have you ever felt ready to break away, thinking you knew better or deserved something right now? This story invites us to examine those moments and consider what it means to live as God’s children.