No, this isn’t a tale of terrible sin.
This is a look at just an average, ordinary person who doesn’t do anything really bad. This is the short version of a story of an almost—not quite—Prodigal Person, someone you might recognize.
One day this nice, normal person left home. There were no assertive words of goodbye, no angry words; in fact, I didn’t say goodbye. I didn’t pack up and walk out the main gate of the Homestead. It just happened that morning I was working on my job and faintly heard a bouncy melody. I could not make out the words, but it sounded somehow familiar, yet intriguingly new.
Gifted with an inquisitive nature and energetic determination, I decided to find out more. Perhaps what I would discover would enrich my life. I owed it to myself to learn more. Once my mind was made up I began to whistle that catchy little tune. I headed out to follow that compelling urge.
When I reached the broad paved highway I made better time. I had no idea how big and fascinatingly complex the World actually was.
As I began my explorations I didn’t yield to temptation to do anything really bad. I just sort of wandered impulsively here and there, following a new-found freedom. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted. Entertainment became a full-time pursuit. People there invited me to parties and welcomed me into their homes.
At first I thrived in this environment, and can’t really recall when I drifted over to the Worldly Café. Here I ate my fill of Bitter Grapes, Crab Apples, and an appetizer called Grumble Crumbles. With a little urging I tried the Barbecue Creature and chased it down with Whiners Wine. That was a long night. Soon I’d acquired a taste for the World’s food.
If my spiritual eyesight had still been on alert I would have seen a shadowy figure following me, planning on ensnaring me into slavery. It was the farthest from my mind as I strolled along Diversity Drive towards Culturally-Creative Circle.
