Once upon a time in the bustling city of Harare, there lived a young man named Tendai. He was the kind of guy you’d describe as having it all—talent, charm, and an ambition that could move mountains. But Tendai had one fatal flaw: he believed he didn’t need anyone, not even God, to succeed.
Tendai’s family, devout Christians, often prayed for him. His father, Mr. Moyo, was a man of deep faith. He’d often sit by the window, watching the street, whispering prayers for his son’s safety and return to God. But Tendai had other plans. He wanted to explore the world, live life on his terms, and bask in the freedom he thought money could buy.
One day, in a fit of arrogance and impatience, Tendai went to his father and demanded his inheritance. “Father,” he said, “give me what’s mine. I’m tired of living under your rules.”
With a heavy heart, Mr. Moyo gave Tendai his share. It wasn’t just money; it was years of sweat, tears, and sacrifices, handed over to a young man too blind to see the cost.
The Fall Begins
Tendai left home with his pockets full and his heart empty. He traveled to Johannesburg, where the lights shone brighter, and the streets promised endless opportunities. For a while, it seemed like he had made the right choice. Parties, luxury, and new “friends” surrounded him. His social media feed was filled with pictures of exotic restaurants, designer outfits, and hashtags like #LivingTheDream and #Blessed.
But dreams built on sand crumble quickly. Tendai’s money ran out, and so did his so-called friends. The luxurious life vanished, leaving him with nothing but debt and despair. To make matters worse, a severe economic downturn hit Johannesburg, and jobs became scarce. Tendai, once the life of the party, now scavenged for food.
One day, desperate and broken, Tendai found work at a pig farm. His job? Feeding pigs. It was demeaning, smelly, and soul-crushing. As he fed the pigs, he often wished he could eat their food. For the first time in his life, Tendai began to reflect on his choices.
A Moment of Clarity
Sitting under a tree one afternoon, his stomach growling and his heart aching, Tendai thought about home. He remembered his father’s unwavering love, his mother’s warm meals, and the laughter that filled their home during family devotions. “Even the servants in my father’s house live better than this,” he muttered.
It was then that a spark of hope ignited in his heart. What if I go back?
But almost immediately, another voice whispered, You’ve messed up too much. Do you really think they’ll take you back?
The internal battle raged on, but hope won. Tendai decided he’d return—not as a son, but as a servant. He rehearsed his apology, his voice trembling as he whispered, “Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Please make me one of your hired servants.
The Father’s Love
Back in Harare, Mr. Moyo was on his usual spot by the window, praying and watching. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, but his hope never wavered. He believed with all his heart that God would bring his son back.
And then, one sunny afternoon, he saw a figure in the distance. The gait was familiar, though slower, heavier, and burdened. Could it be? Mr. Moyo squinted, his heart racing. It was Tendai!
Without a second thought, Mr. Moyo ran down the street, his robe flapping behind him. When he reached Tendai, he embraced him tightly, tears streaming down his face.
“Father,” Tendai began, his voice cracking, “I’ve sinned against heaven and you. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son—”
But Mr. Moyo interrupted him, calling out to the servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. Prepare a feast—we’re celebrating tonight! My son was lost, but now he’s found!”
Grace Beyond Measure
As the festivities began, Tendai couldn’t help but marvel at his father’s love. He expected judgment, but he received grace. He expected rejection, but he was embraced.
But not everyone shared the joy. Tendai’s older brother, Tinashe, was furious. “Father,” he complained, “I’ve served you faithfully all these years, yet you’ve never thrown me a party. But this son of yours, who squandered your wealth, comes back, and you celebrate him?”
Mr. Moyo placed a hand on Tinashe’s shoulder. “Son, you’ve always been with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate because your brother was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
The Bigger Picture
Tendai’s story is a modern retelling of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), and it mirrors the journey many of us take. Like Tendai, we often stray, convinced we can make it on our own. We chase fleeting pleasures, only to find ourselves broken and empty.
But here’s the good news: God, our Heavenly Father, is always waiting for us with open arms. He doesn’t just tolerate our return; He celebrates it. His grace is greater than our failures, and His love covers our shame.
Tendai’s decision to return home is a reminder of the power of humility. When we acknowledge our mistakes and turn back to God, we find restoration and redemption. But it’s also a call to make sound decisions moving forward. The story teaches us that while God’s grace is limitless, wisdom helps us avoid unnecessary pain.
A Challenge to the Reader
Are you in Tendai’s shoes today? Maybe you’ve wandered far from God, believing you’ve gone too far to return. Let this story remind you that no sin is too great for God’s grace. His love for you is unchanging, and His arms are wide open.
Or perhaps you’re like Tinashe, struggling to celebrate others because you feel overlooked. Remember, God’s blessings are not a competition. There’s enough grace for everyone.
Take a moment today to reflect on your life. Where do you need to make a U-turn? Who do you need to extend grace to? And most importantly, are you willing to come home to the Father who never stopped loving you?
As you ponder these questions, let the words of Romans 8:38-39 encourage you:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
God is waiting. Will you take the first step?