We are all problem children of God

Recently, I came across yet another program that seemed mindless yet began to work its siren song on me so I couldn't help but continue watching. The program was "The World's Strictest Parents" and the premise is that two unruly teenagers are sent to live with a family who adhere to a very rigid code of conduct for their children. The result, most of the time, is that the teens are forced to reevaluate how they live their lives and return to their parents with a fresh outlook on how their lives can be. It is not my intent to dismiss the impact this show has, given that many of these teens have very destructive behaviors and any intervention that can be done before they make a serious mistake should be applauded. However, I mention it because it did get me thinking about another "problem child" the evangelist formerly known as Saul.
If you are looking for an example of someone who goes against his Father, Saul stands out as one of the prime examples. The book of Acts details out how he made stamping out the Christian church as his personal crusade and his approval of harassment and, sometimes, executions of Christian believers. In fact, he was taking his infamous trip to Damascus in order to round up more Christians to take them back to Jerusalem as prisoners. We are all familiar with the story of how he was struck blind on the road to Damascus after hearing the voice of Jesus asking why he was persecuting him. After a disciple healed him, he became someone who history credits as spreading Christianity further than it ever had. Something that does not receive quite as much attention is that, after his conversion, people were still very wary of Saul. In fact, the disciples didn't want to meet with Saul at first and it was only after Barnabas brought him to them and told them of all the things he did that the accepted him as part of their group.
In the show, something that stuck out to me was that the "strict" parents were ones who were willing to recognize good in the kids, help them foster it, and basically "give them a shot" to be themselves in a way that was less destructive. In one episode of the show, a teen that had run into legal problems for tagging had his talents as an artist acknowledged and not criticized by the strict mom. The show ended by her letting him paint one of their barns however he wanted as a more constructive outlet of his talent. In another episode, a teen who let his frustration in not finding a job turn into apathy was actually given responsibilities by the strict Dad and even offers to provide him a reference when he goes job hunting back home. Likewise, I think Barnabas gave Saul such as opportunity by going to the disciples and saying that, no matter what you'd heard about him, he has changed.
As with the strict parents, I believe God found Saul's (who should probably be called Paul at this point) zeal for what he was doing to be a positive thing but misdirected. So, as with the strict parents, Paul was shown another way and, with support, was able to help shape the Christian Church into what it is today. I think all of us have these talents that people don't easily recognize because they are directed elsewhere and only through mutual respect, love, and a willingness to vouch for one another can we fully realize the gifts that God has given us.