The Parable of The Prodigal Son is my favourite Biblical story encouraging us to not look back on our earlier self defeating experiences, rather accepting the hand of God reaching out to us, inviting us to let Him shepherd us through the rest of our life.
The Prodigal Son wasted his inheritance on self satisfying living, leading him into poverty, and beggary depending on hand outs from those whom The Father sent to him to ensure that he did not starve.
The Prodigal learned that living in the care of his father including renunciation of his earlier ego driven life, leading him to understand that the road of hard knocks taught him that he had become the result of his self indulgent decisions.
The Prodigal Son realised that his new life in the care, and protection of The Father included sharing his good fortune in those places where he had once stood begging for a slice of bread.
I quote:
20 So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
~Luke 15:20-24
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