And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  Luke 15:20 ESV

Jesus told this story not just to eulogize one father long ago but to explain how God is looking for us today. Imagine with me God getting off His throne, walking out the door then looking down the long road from heaven to earth. He is not watching to find out what we have done wrong (He already knows). God is looking to see if today is the day we have decided to come home.