The message in church yesterday was about forgiveness. True forgiveness comes from within. It’s not something you extend outward to others. To truly forgive is to let it all go, don’t hold a grudge, and be at peace. So you can greet someone with a genuine smile the next time you see them.
When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where the winds of forgiveness can sweep it away.
As I was sitting listening to these messages about forgiveness, I couldn’t help but think about my kids.
Children are the embodiment of true forgiveness. Without even realizing it they easily forgive and forget when someone wrongs them. Yes there is some crying and anger in the moment. Everyone goes through that. But they quickly move past it when it’s all said and done.
I see it all the time when Cece and Theo play together. Someone doesn’t share a toy or isn’t playing how the other wants to play (or one of the countless other reasons siblings fight). There’s a disagreement, maybe even hitting, and after it’s over they continue playing like nothing happened. Unconditional love.
I see it when I lose my patience with them and yell a little too harshly and make someone cry. It crushes me to see that pain. And after a few hugs and apologies, everything is fine. Truly fine. Within minutes I’m forgiven. No animosity. No one is keeping score.
This kind of forgiveness is something I strive for every day. It’s hard not to hold that grudge. Yet they do it so easily and naturally.
These two small people are wiser than me in a lot of ways. I can learn so much from them.
Dan Hauk 