beautiful image of forgiveness

[Hubi]

The prodigal son 
...different, but still heartfelt. 

A preacher is traveling by train through the United States. Sitting opposite him is a young man who looks distraught. “Can I help you?” the preacher asks him in a friendly manner. The young man then tells his story: 

“Three years ago, I ran away from home. I was fed up with the hard work at my parents' company, stole money from their safe and made off. The money was soon gone. I cheated my way through with scams until I finally ended up in prison. I had a lot of time to think there. Now I'm very sorry for what I did to my parents. Last week I wrote to my father that I would be on this train today. If he wants to take me on again, I'll get off; if not, I'll keep going.” “But how will you know what your father thinks?” asks the passenger. “If I'm allowed to stay, he should tie a white handkerchief to the old pear tree next to the tracks.” Finally, the train pulls into the station at home. “I can't look!” sobs the young man. “But look,” the passenger urges him in a moving voice. The young man lifts his eyes and can hardly believe it: The whole pear tree is hung all over with white handkerchiefs, fluttering in the wind as a sign of his father's forgiving love! 

Another beautiful image of forgiveness