Accept the Gift

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7 ESV

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” Psalm 86:5 ESV

Real MOMent

I hear a cry from another room followed by MOOOOOOM!

My youngest (6), entered the room holding in one hand what appeared to be blue pieces (of what? I wasn’t quite sure) and in the other, a pencil. Her face was covered in tears.“I didn’t mean to and now she hates me,” she cried out. “She doesn’t hate you. What happened? I asked. “I was sitting and pressing down to draw with my paper and pencil, when it POPPED!” she replied.

By this time (seconds later), my oldest daughter (who was also in tears) had joined in the conversation.

The item that she was referring to was a very large novelty bouncy ball. Each of them had their own and the ball that popped (the blue scraps in my youngest daughter’s hand), was her sister’s.

SIDE NOTE: I should probably share that these balls were not my favorite because they showed up E-VE-RY- WHERE– on the stairs, in the hall, in my bedroom, the bathroom, the living room, the kitchen. While I secretly felt that this was an answered prayer because I’m always kicking them out of the way, they LOVED them.

“Mommy, she popped my ball and she shouldn’t have been on it!,” my oldest told me. “Did she mean to do it or was it an accident?” I asked. I quickly reframed the question and asked my youngest “did you mean to do it or was it an accident?”

They both agreed that it was an accident, a mistake. “Can you forgive her?” My oldest shook head yes and said, “I forgive you” (proud MOMent). Using the ball as a surface to draw on with a pointy pencil wasn't the best idea, so my youngest learned a lesson. I thought we could move forward.

So I thought…

A few minutes later, my youngest returned to the room, crying and now holding purple scraps. I instantly realized that these scraps were what used to be her bouncy ball. “Now, it’s fair. Neither of us will have one [a ball],” she said through more tears. Her sister looked at her in a heartfelt way, and spoke FIVE words that were filled with such spiritual power…“BUT I HAD FORGIVEN YOU.”

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MOMent of Clarity

Forgiveness is a beautiful gift, but we have to be willing to accept it when others extend it and also when we need to give it to ourselves.

At this moment I could relate to my six-year old. How is it that I am still learning and working through something that we actually start to feel so young. We learn early on to become crippled by remorse and guilt–we find ways to “punish” ourselves for simply being human, imperfect. Even though it was a mistake, my sweet baby wasn’t able to accept the forgiveness offered by her sister.

So here I am, two annoying balls gone (yay!) but a moment that is so critical in helping my children learn about God’s forgiveness and what amazing timing–six days away from Christmas.

I'm so thankful for this amazing clarity. I am reminded (now more than ever) of the perfect gift that God gave us all through His son, Jesus was forgiveness. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7) We don’t need to “pop our own balls” each time we make a mistake or continue a loop of punishment because we have made mistakes.

We are human.

The best gift ever is the GOOD NEWS, we are forgiven–A C C E P T THE GIFT!

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This week’s Praise is one of our FAVORITE songs to sing. Each time I hear the words, it is a reminder that what God’s forgiveness is enough, even if I haven’t yet accepted His amazing love and grace for myself. I pray it will speak love and forgiveness into your life! Check out the song on the BLOG or find it wherever you get your music! Could it possibly be That we simply can’t believe That this unconditional kind of love would be enough to Take a filthy wretch like this And wrap him up in righteousness But that’s’ exactly what He did! ~from “Flawless” by MercyMe

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• What does it mean to forgive?

• How forgiving is my home?

• How often do I seek God’s help in giving, seeking, or accepting forgiveness?

• What do I find most challenging, giving or accepting forgiveness?

• What opportunities do I have to teach my child/children about God’s gift of forgiveness?

• In what ways do I want to grow in my example of forgiveness for my child/children?

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I want to invite you to pray “Your prayer” before starting to apply. Speaking from personal experience, forgiveness (extending, receiving or accepting) is such a personal journey, and without God’s help, it has the ability to go to a dark place. I think that is why it was often an area that was never up for conversation or I avoided, for too long. Good NEWS–He is the light!

Extending

What or who do you want to extend forgiveness too? Who or what don’t you want to extend forgiveness? Pray on it & repeat daily. Be available and listen.

Seeking

Christmas & Forgiveness: Talk to your child/children about Christmas and the gift we received through Jesus–Redemption and Forgiveness. #humble MOMent–Think about something that you may have said, reacted in a way, forgotten, etc. (You know the #momguilt) let’s seek some forgiveness from our kids–and be affirmed that we are doing a great job! This may seem small, but small things add up to the big things! What an awesome way to show them how to seek forgiveness!

Accepting

• Make it a point to bring up Forgiveness in a conversation with your child/children. One question I have recently started asking my children is “What is one thing that you weren’t proud of today?” – This has allowed for some great conversations and opportunities to help them see the light and that it is “okay.” They can do better the next day or help them think of ways to explain to a friend that their feelings’ were hurt or that they are upset with them. Allow your conversation to help them find acceptance and possibly a lesson from the experience.

Ex: Not getting along with friends can be an opportunity to teach forgiving others for trespasses –as we would do for those who trespass against us!

• Younger Children: Conversations during foundational years are such a big part of early childhood literacy so why not talk to them about God and teach them early! Talk to them!!! Let’s teach them how to accept forgiveness by speaking life in affirmations. So go crazy MOM– “you’re so smart,” and “you are beautiful” “God has a plan for you” “you are blessed” "You are so grumpy, when you don't get rest, I am too!"–Share and allow them to feel your intent even if they may not be able to fully understand your words.

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Dear God,

You are loving and faithful. Thank You for the gift of forgiveness. Thank You for Your son, Jesus, who through Him, I have received the gift of redemption and forgiveness. Help me to accept Your forgiveness, so that I don’t go around “popping my own balls.” Help me to recognize when I am no longer feeling Your grace in my life because I refuse to accept what You offer–love. Open my heart to opportunities where accepting forgiveness will provide Your perfect peace in my life. Help me to seek YOU in teaching my children about Your forgiveness and to be an example to them.Though I am imperfect, You love me. When I make mistakes, You forgive me. You are always faithful. All the glory to the Most High, Amen.