Tonight I disciplined a child for something he didn’t do. I had faulty information and I didn’t take the time to hear the whole story. I was not quick to listen or slow to speak. I didn’t listen and I spoke too quickly.
It was my #momfail of the day. When the rest of the story came out he was already in bed and I have to wait until tomorrow to apologize. The failure hangs over me like a dark cloud.
But I know what will happen. In the morning I will tell him that I made a mistake and that sometimes even mommy gets it wrong. That sometimes in the midst of training hearts to love, ears to listen, and mouths to be kind, even mommy messes it up.
And then when I tell him I’m sorry and that I love him that little boy will smile, look at me with his big brown eyes and say “that’s okay, mommy, I forgive you.” There’s not a doubt in my mind, I know that is how he will respond.
That’s how children love, with grace and mercy. Forgiveness flows freely and love grows effortlessly.
I can’t wait for that moment, the opportunity to make things right with my son.
When Jesus went to the cross it was based on faulty information. He had not committed any crime. He willingly took the punishment that I deserved. Just as I desire that restoration with my son, I also need it from Jesus because I fail him daily. I want to tell him I am sorry for falling short, for trying to do things my own way, for holding tightly to things I should let go of, for spending too much time chasing things that don’t matter.
And when I tell Him I’m sorry, He will smile.
That’s how Jesus loves, with grace and mercy. Forgiveness flows freely and love grows effortlessly.
I’ll try again tomorrow to be a better mom than I was today.
And I’ll try to be a little more like Jesus.
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