We read in the story of the prodigal son that when the son finally decided to come home, while he was still "a long way off", his father saw him and ran to him. But the only way the father could have seen him coming is if he had been waiting anxiously for his return. This parable paints for us the picture of God, our Father, expectantly and longingly waiting for us to come back to Him. No matter where we've been or what we've done, nothing will ever keep Him from loving us and accepting us as His children.