The turning point in both The Prodigal Son and for Marvin is a moment of "sorrow."
It's one that is hardly ever expressed in children's books.
But it's the turning point for anyone who will follow Christ.
I've met Christians and pastors who don't connect a "godly sorrow" and the resulting repentance to their new life. They never actually embraced a confession of their own rebellion to receive the fullness of grace.
Yet, it is perhaps the only way back to the Father.
Marvin expresses this form of "godly sorrow" in a way that children can more readily connect with.
He realizes something is wrong. He's done something wrong.
And that he misses his Father.
Isn't that something we want to cultivate in our children?
That there will come a time they see that the decisions they have made -- even if it is in response to something bad done to us -- might be a wrong decision?
Might be something that hurts them even further.
That just doesn't feel right?
When I talk to my girls about it, what's interesting is that they do often get most engaged at that point.
Their answers aren't elaborate.
But their expressions are expressive.
What do you think?
Do you believe showing a character who is going through a realization that they have done something wrong can help soften your child's own heart for experience "godly sorrow"?