Don't cry over spilled milk...

…make that hot chocolate.

Steaming hot chocolate is made, I made it with milk on the stove, put a large marshmallow on top just how they like it. They rush out to the kitchen, so excited and she knocks hers over. Hot chocolate is running across and down the island, all over the floor. We wipe it up, I go to get a mop, then he spills his on the other side of the island. I over-react this time, "Why did you do that?!!!" I use all three of his given names. I realize as soon as I say it but it's too late, as he goes for a towel, he has that crumpled look on his face, trying not to cry. "I'm sorry Mom!"

 I'm the one who is in need of forgiveness. I tell them I'm so sorry for speaking loudly and then she's crying too, "I'm so sorry I spilled it, Mom." 

Later after they finished the next batch we talked about forgivness, about mercy and how God forgives us over and over. 

I want my children to see that I mess up, that I need God in my life. As a young parent, I didn't think I should ask for forgivness from my children when I was in the wrong, I thought it would weaken my authority. I was so so wrong. These children are little people who need our respect, and they need an example of how to forgive and ask for forgivness. They need to see God's grace shining through us. Holding them to a standard of perfection is just so unfair. I know I will mess up again, lose my temper, but I want to be quick to see it and not to leave a hurt in their little hearts.

"Grace

is when you get the good things you don't deserve.

Mercy

is when you're spared from the bad things you do deserve.

God

is generous with both."