Forgiveness

Today has been “one of those days”, at least so far. I mailed a package for Eli, which contained a blanket we’ve been sleeping with for weeks and a photo album of our family. I can’t describe how sending it made me feel, but it wasn’t good. I guess it just reminded me of how little he knows us and we know him

So I’m a little down today, but Sam and Cora don’t know to take it easy on mom. So first, Cora squirted lots of lotion on the carpet. Sam tore a page in his library book minutes after checking it out. They fought loudly, which is surprisingly unusual, while I was on the phone (isn’t that embarrassing, especially when the other person asks who else is at your house). Then Sam put his remote control car on Cora’s head and let ‘er go, wrapping lots of blond curls around one wheel. That was the final straw: I yelled, both cried. I told Sam I would probably have to break his car to get the hair out, and he said, “I don’t like my mom because she breaks my car.” (And of course he added, “I’m telling Grandma!”)

Well, I got the hair out, car in tact, Cora a little sore. Then I declared nap time for all, which is rare. So I lay with Sam in his bed and after a few moments of silence he asked me to forgive him. Of course I did and told him he should also ask Cora. He asked her, and her reply was “Jesus”. I doubt she knew what Sam had asked, but I think the Holy Spirit gave her answer for me.

They both fell asleep, Sam with his arms around my neck. I was no longer tired as I thought about Jesus’ forgiveness in my life, over and over and over again. I was not a very good mother today, but He forgives me, and I will try harder this evening to extend His forgiveness and grace to my children.