In fact, I wonder how much they really shared. His relationship seemed to be one of serving his father, obeying commands. I think he needed a new kind of relationship, a fresh start, but was having trouble taking the first step. We may be like the prodigal and need to take a hard look at ourselves. We may be moving in a direction that brings us no satisfaction.
Life is a chore.
It's hard to get up in the morning because there doesn't seem to be much for us. We may need to come to ourselves and make a decision to make a fresh start. We may also be like the elder brother, not realizing that we are really separated from God, others, and life itself. Life is all serving and keeping the rules. Maybe life seems to revolve around ourselves.