THE number of children who run away from home and are classified as missing is staggering.
According to statistics, thousands of children run away from home each year.
Children who run away are usually aged between 14 and 17 and the majority of them are girls.
Many children run away because of differences in their values and lifestyles from that of their parents.
Some of these children wander away and eventually are “lost” in worldly temptations. They get hooked on drugs, gangsterism, alcohol and prostitution.
Eventually, when these children come to their senses and return home, most of them are not welcomed back by their families.
There is the wonderful biblical story that tells of the unconditional, immeasurable love of a father for his wayward son.
In the story, a boy who leaves home after a quarrel and squanders away his share of his inheritance, finally returns home to find that his father still loves him.
Despite the fact that the son has wasted his share of the money, the father celebrates the return of the boy by holding a feast.
The father is not bothered about the fact that the son had indulged
in wine and women. The crux of
the matter is that the son has returned.
It is a story of our lives. The father in the story is a caring and loving person.
He signifies the persona and image of how God is always caring, loving and concerned about those who are lost.
It is never too late to seek forgiveness and repentance. We have all erred. No one is perfect. Only God is perfect.
How many parents and families have disowned their children who rebelled, did not listen to their advice or joined bad company?
How many boys who became involved in crime or drugs, were driven out of their homes?
How many girls who were involved in drugs or became pregnant were chased out by their families?
Because parents and families
were judgmental and unforgiving to the girls who got pregnant, many babies born out of wedlock were dumped.
Many families are more concerned about the shame that their children bring to the family when they return.
Many adhere to the biar mati anak, jangan mati adat (honour
is more important than life) principle.
Many parents disown problematic children and absolve themselves of their responsibilities.
However, the father in the above- mentioned story showed exceptional and unconditional love for his wayward son.
If parents and families can have a heart for children who have gone astray but repented, the community we live in will be a better place.
SAMUEL YESUIAH,
Seremban, Negri Sembilan