All is forgiven.

The dark of the night had already settled over the rocky path. A lone traveler pushed forward despite the fatigue that had become a constant companion. For years her gaze had been focused on the ground counting the stones and cracks that lined the path, trying to forget the countless mistakes she had made along the way.

Slowly the days had turned into weeks, and weeks to years. But they all had led her to this point. Still, her final destination seemed just as far as when she had begun so many years ago.

In the distance a small pinprick of light led her along the dusty trail. Ever so slowly it began to grow larger and warmer. Throughout the years, many friends came and went, distractions momentarily detoured her from her journey. But now, the end was in sight, and the goal was within arms reach.

Just 100 miles away stood a mansion covered ornately with gold decorations on top of white stone walls. Surrounding the castle on all sides was a 12-foot wall with golden gates. As she approached them, memories came flooding back.

The day when she first turned her back on the place she had called home for so many years, and where she spent hours at her father's feet listening to his calm soothing voice. The many places she had gone to fill the void of her home, hoping that she could find comfort away from her father's tight grip. But throughout the years, she could never find comfort. Instead each morning was just a painful reminder of just how far away from home she truly was.

Walking through the gates was the hardest part of her journey. All she could do was remember the bad. The times she had turned her ear from her father's teaching, and gone down a path she knew could never result in happiness.

The marble steps that led to the front door came all to quickly for her liking, and soon she was at the oak doors. She paused to catch her breath and gain the strength to knock on the door. Drying the tears from her eyes, she lifted the bronze knocker and let it bang on the door. There was no turning back now.

The moment of waiting for the door to open seemed to drag on for hours. But finally, the door opened with a low squeak.

"Daddy," she said, falling to her knees. "I'm sorry." She began, but the rest of her words became indistinguishable, covered by her sobbing.

Her father slowly dropped to His knees, wrapping his arms around his shaking daughter.

"Come in, my child. All is forgiven." He said in the same loving voice.