God waits with open arms, we only need to turn to him like the waiting father in this parable. I try to always view my relationship with God as my father (yes, I know he is his) but I mean like how you view an earthly father. I had a wonderful father growing up. No matter what situation, good or bad, I found myself in, I knew I could always turn to my father for support, understanding, advice, and he was my ultimate support during these times. But he did what any father really should and told me when I was wrong, or that I had really thought about my situation and was making the right decision. I knew I could always turn to him. I think this is the relationship God seeks to have with us. He wants us to come to Him, in good times and bad, to ask His advice, or feel His joy in our times of joy, or even fall into His arms in the insignificant times. In the story of the Prodigal Son, the son wanted everything his father would have given him, but he wanted it now, unlike when one receives one's inheritance after he dies. The father gave his son exactly what he wanted, and it hurt him, maybe even a little, but he did it anyway. After the son took it and left, and then found himself eating with the pigs, he thought of his father again. No Matter How Much Time Has Passed, This Father Was So Thrilled To Have His Son Come Home And Accepted Him.