Another Lesson from my 4 year old...Forgiveness

Oh, the things I learn from my children!

A few days ago I raised my voice at my 4 year old.  Yes, I know, I shouldn't do this.  And, yes, I know how important my words are...and that it's not Christ like to yell...and that I wasn't setting a good example for my children.  Yes, I know.  I am ashamed of it.  But, the truth is, I did what I know I shouldn't.

I'm sure you didn't assume I was perfect.  Of course, this all out proves that I am not.  As much as I love my boys and as much as I want to be the perfect mom, I still blow it more often than I'd like to.  Thankful for God's grace...and for continued growth. 

After I raised my voice, I felt terrible.  I asked the Lord to forgive me.  Then, I went with a repentant heart to ask my little Andrew for his forgiveness.  I said, "Andrew, I'm sorry for raising my voice at you.  That was't right.  Will you please forgive me?"  He said, "Yes, I forgive you, Mommy.  It's okay."  I said, "No, it's not okay, I shouldn't have raised my voice at you."  He looked surprised as he replied, "It's okay, Mommy.  I forgive you."  I told him thank you and out of my own shame said I was sorry again.  He said, "I forgive you, Mommy.  It's okay.  I already forgave you before you even asked."     

Did you catch that?  He already forgave me before I even asked! 

Wow!  Tears flooded my eyes...unmerited, undeserved forgiveness before I asked...just because he loves me!  What a relief!  What joy flooded my heart!   

I need to take a lesson from my 4 year old!!  Do you also?

Instead of taking offense, holding a grudge, and critically looking at another's faults; how much better to overlook and forgive...without being asked...not because it's merited or deserved...just because of LOVE!

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

Colossians 3:13

Potential

This summer we had an impromptu MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) picnic at a local park.  Five of us moms and our children gathered together for a little fellowhsip time.  I took this picture during our time together.

A couple of weeks ago I was looking at this picture and thought about each of these kids - each so cute, so uniquely created by God (knit together in their mother's womb), each such a blessing, so loved and so special - especially to their mamas and especially to GOD.  They have so much potential!  One may grow up to be a doctor, another a teacher, or a missionary or the president of the United States (Lord, help them!)...and most likely many of them will grow up to be moms and dads.  They could grow to be very influential people!

Then, the thought came to me, they're not the only ones with potential.  God has a plan for each of our lives...and part of that plan for us moms is to be the best mom possible.  MOPS Internationals slogan is "Better Moms Make a Better World" and it's so true.  But, whether you are a mom or not, God has a plan for your life and you can make a difference in this world by touching the lives of those around you!  You have so much potential in Christ!  You can grow to be an influential person!

I only wish we could see ourselves, the way our Heavenly Father sees us.  Our face doesn't blend in with all the others in "the picture".  He loves each of us personally.  He knows just why He created us the way He did.  He cares about every detail of our lives.  He KNOWS we have so much potential IF we will surrender our lives to Him and follow His lead.  He has big plans for His children, plans that might surprise us...but we must look to Him or we will never fulfill them.  We don't have to worry, He will give us all we need to accomplish these world changing feats if we follow Him closely day by day and moment by moment!

Now, let's live up to our potential!!  Seek Him and His will and nothing will be impossible for you!

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

 Philippians 4:13

"No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those

who love Him"

I Corinthians 2:9

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 

P.S. There is a registration GIVEWAY over on the Rise & Shine Women's Retreat blog.  You could win a FREE registration for you and a friend!!  Rise & Shine is a great place to learn more about growing to your full potential.  The theme for this year is: "Making An Ordinary Life Extraordinary"!  :)  CLICK HERE to find out how to enter to win!