January 27
Scripture: Luke 7:47
Source author: Scoti Springfield Domeij
January 27
Mommy Meltdowns I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only a little love. —Luke 7:47
Adrenaline-rushed, mommy meltdown mornings weren’t my proudest moments. My yelling hurt my sons’ feelings, leaving me burdened with guilt. I prayed, God, I don’t want to emotionally damage my sons. Please forgive me. After I pitched a toddleresque tantrum one morning, I realized I faced two options: rationalize my behavior or ask my sons for forgiveness. So before the boys left for school, I said, “I’m sorry for blowing up. It’s not your fault. Mommy was wrong. Will you please forgive me?” Like the Lord, they eagerly forgave me. Reconciled, we parted with hugs and kisses. After a stressful, exhausting day, I picked up my sons from school. Too tired to referee my sons’ war of words, it took all my emotional strength to keep from yelling, “Be quiet!” Then, during a lull in the hostilities, four-year-old Kyle innocently asked his brother, “Kristoffer, do you love me?” Kristoffer sweetly replied, “Yes, I do, Kyle. I know I don’t act like it sometimes. Will you forgive me?” “Yes, Kris, I forgive you.”
I knew the verbal warfare wasn’t over, but they had learned to enjoy truces of forgiveness.
The Lord is ready to forgive—may that also be said about us. — Scoti Springfield Domeij —