Love for all—and can it be?
Can I hope it is for me—
I, who strayed so long ago,
Strayed so far and fell so low?
I, the disobedient child,
Wayward, passionate, and wild—
I, who left my Father’s home,
In forbidden ways to roam.
I, who spurned His loving hold;
I, who would not be controlled;
I, who would not hear His call;
I, the willful prodigal.
To my Father can I go?
At His feet myself I’ll throw;
In His house there yet may be
Place—a servant’s place—for me.
See! My Father waiting stands.
See! He reaches out His hands.
God is love, I know, I see,
Love for me—yes, even me.
– Samuel Longfellow (1864)