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Forgiveness

June 22, 2010 by Tracey 17 Comments

I failed.

My answer to her question was laced with impatience and – worse yet – unkind. It didn’t matter that the query had been asked and answered several times already that day – she didn’t deserve my sharp response.


She took it in stride, moving on with that which occupied her, no follow-up statements forthcoming.

My conscience was immediately stricken, guilt filling my heart as I was smote with the realization of how my words must have sounded to her.

I knew what I needed to do. Allowing myself a moment to gather my thoughts – and her to finish what she was doing – I approached. My first words were, “I’m sorry for speaking to you that way. Will you please forgive me?” With the love and openness that only a child’s face can portray, she looked up at me. “Yes,” she said, both arms going around my waist in a hug.

Do I wish I hadn’t spoken so harshly? Yes. Is it humbling to apologize to anyone, your own child included? Yes. But I’m thankful for the reminder of what it feels like to ask for forgiveness – and how quickly and readily it is given by a child.

Like my daughter, may I willingly and graciously offer the gift of forgiveness to others.

See what gifts others are celebrating at Tuesdays Unwrapped hosted by Chatting at the Sky.

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Filed Under: Parent

Comments

  1. Southern Gal says

    June 22, 2010 at 11:03 am

    Yes, sweet forgiveness of a child. And my youngest will often see the tears in my eyes when I apologize and cry along with me. It tears me up, but reminds me how sensitive his feelings are also.

    Reply
  2. lara says

    June 22, 2010 at 11:41 am

    Hi. Thanks for visiting my blog this morning. It's nice to "meet" you. 🙂 And yes, to forgive like a child is absolutely precious. I am still learning, desiring, praying for God's filling continually–that I would walk in such sweet simplicity.

    Reply
  3. Our Country Road says

    June 22, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    Oh goodness I have been there more times then I would like to admit. The heart of a child is so sweet and I learn so much about God from my own children. Thanks for stopping by my blog, so that I could find yours!

    Reply
  4. Mary says

    June 22, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. Forgiveness is so important. And we adults can learn from God and sweet children that we can forgive others. Your daughter is so sweet.

    I know it is hard sometimes to forgive someone that has really hurt you. I have struggled with this. But knowing now, that I hurt our Lord by sinning everyday, and that when I ask for forgiveness He forgives me is amazing.

    Thank you again. And that picture is so pretty!

    Reply
  5. emily wierenga says

    June 22, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    i fail all the time. thank you for joining me in celebrating his grace. e.

    Reply
  6. Crystal Roberts says

    June 22, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    I am always suprised at how easily my children forgive, and I want to be more like them. Jesus said "of such was the kingdom of heaven" Children are our greatest examples.
    Thank you for sharing this, I and so many others really appreciated your transperancy!

    Reply
  7. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet says

    June 22, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    It is so hard to swallow pride. I know I fail and speak too harshly sometimes, so I try to put aside my pride to get back in fellowship with my children, hubby, or God. Praise God for His mercy and lovingkindness!

    Reply
  8. Beth says

    June 22, 2010 at 5:04 pm

    I have had to ask for forgiveness from my children also. Thank goodness they offer it so quickly. I only hope that I can follow their example when dealing with other difficult people in my grown up world.

    Reply
  9. Dawn says

    June 22, 2010 at 5:19 pm

    not easy to do… not easy to know it is you who caused her to stop smiling. i know. i really know…

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    June 22, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    You are not alone, Tracey. I too often fail in much the same way. I appreciate the forgiveness of my children and of God. Oh, how I long to model His love…and I'm so thankful that He can help me along the way and use my failures to help me teach His mercy to my little ones. Bless you for your honesty and encouragement!

    Reply
  11. Wendy says

    June 22, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    I hear you loud and clear. I do this too often. I pray that my children remember the patient mom more than the impatient mom

    Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    June 23, 2010 at 1:44 am

    So sweet. The forgiveness of a child is just beautiful. We can all strive to for such a gift of forgiveness.

    Stopping by from Chatting at the Sky! 🙂

    Reply
  13. The Homemaker says

    June 23, 2010 at 2:07 am

    not alone friend. Thank you for sharing Grace with us today!

    Reply
  14. Debbie says

    June 23, 2010 at 2:11 am

    I could have written this post myself many a time in the years raising my girls. In fact, imperfect as I am, I still replay that scene at times. I love how you express the way that you feel when you RECEIVE forgiveness from your child.

    Just another example of the beauty of the passage, "Come to me as little child", yes?

    Enjoying my visits from Chatting at the Sky.

    Reply
  15. Dayle says

    June 23, 2010 at 2:30 am

    Always humbling to have to be forgiven by a child. Been there many times in raising my own.

    Reply
  16. Jenny says

    June 26, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    My parents never apologized to me as a child (or even now). I made a promise long before I ever became a mother, I would apologize; not only apologize, but ask for their forgiveness. Blessings…

    Reply
  17. piperparadise says

    June 28, 2010 at 3:59 am

    This hit home for me. And is a great reminder, thanks!

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Tracey, wife and mom to two teenage girls. I seek to help Christian moms raise children who know, love, and serve God by sharing Biblical wisdom, helpful tips, and practical advice. Read More…

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