They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this one would certainly qualify. I remember this moment as though it happened yesterday. This particular permutation of the daily squabbles among my three munchkins was not the norm. Patrick (my peace maker) was rarely the villain on the scene.
My two bookends, Rob and Peter, maybe.. :)
But I can assure you that minutes after this photo frame the three of them were playing nicely and had forgotten about the theft of the baby doll. Why would they continue to fight when they have one another to play with? Forgive and forget. So easy at this age.
This same scene in 20 years could potentially have a different outcome. You betray me or take something that belongs to me and it may be very difficult for me to forgive you.
Because I am stubborn. Because I have this thing called pride. Because I don’t respect the history we have had together and am not willing to put aside my “rightness” in order to mend the relationship and find a way to move on from here. Or perhaps I just don’t know how to do it.
How do we seek forgiveness?
Have a contrite heart. Be vulnerable. Put pride aside. Admit to being wrong, or stubborn, or cross, or oversensitive. Then ask for forgiveness.
Allow God’s grace and mercy to work their magic. And begin anew.
