(If you look closely, you can see the lovely green mural markered to our walls by someone not old enough to have markers yet.)
Ah, forgiveness. Yep, I’m thinking about it alot these days.
During the past three weeks, I was led to Colossians 3:12 – “As God’ chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
At the same time, Stef from Layton Family Joy tweeted that she was working on memorizing Colossians 3:12-14. When I read verses 13 and 14, I knew I needed to join Stef in memorizing these two as well.
I’m taking these three verses and focusing on one each week by praying about what it says, being intentional in what it is asking me to do, and committing it to memory. Susannah is joining me on this journey as well and I’m loving that she is getting old enough to start memorizing the wisest of words. Also, it’s about the cutest thing in the world to hear your Kindergartner try to pronounce “humility”.
I chose the above photo that was taken this past spring because I remember it well – Solomon, at almost two years of age, had hauled off and hit his older brother.
In our house, if you are a boy with limited vocabulary, you hit others when you are angry. I don’t condone this method of problem-solving – it just happens this way.
For about the umpteenth time that day, I had explained to Solomon, in as little words as possible, that hands are not for hitting.
I also told him that when he was ready, he was going to need to apologize to his brother, ask him for forgiveness, and give him a hug.
It’s also about the cutest thing in the world to hear your almost-two-year old say “Sowy, bro bro”.
This is precisely what was said before Solomon wrapped his paci-loving self around his best bud.
And Sawyer simply smiled, hugged him back, and moved on.
Ah, to be able to forgive as easily as a child…
For more Word Filled Wednesday, please visit Internet Cafe Devotions. I love it there…
Dear Natalie, I wanted to thank you for “bringing” me to this verse in Colossians. It has been running thru my head on a daily basis for almost a week now. I look forward to adding the next two verses as well. What you said last week stuck with me. See, I just had a baby a month ago and for me and my family’s sake (I have two other children) I wanted to try and transition as best as I could as if not much had changed. I mean the other two have a schedule too and its important to them that we sort of maintain that! So part of doing so, I have tried hard to appear put together…shower, dress, etc. But I have been finding in my used of energy to maintain appearance(and don’t get me wrong, I am not sporting Joan’s pearls here just trying to wear jeans instead of sweats!) That my words to my family have not been as kind, gentle and patient as they should be all the time. So now I am aware and putting this first, appearances can follow. Theschedule is not the most important thing, its the memories my kids have of how we accepted this new little person into our family and how we dealt with the changes! Thanks again!
Indeed…I wish I had that innocent forgiveness of a child. I wish I didn’t read into my hurts additional meanness that was probably not even intended. I wish, really…that I forgave like Christ…that I’d “remember things no more” and place them as “far as east from west.” Thank you for bringing these gems out of God’s Word for us today! Love and smiles!!
I love seeing my girls forgive one another too. So sweet and innocent.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Radical Chapter 9 =-.
I just have to laugh at the green walls…and lest you think it gets “bettter” my 10 year old, (you read that right) just the other day “etched” his initials into the desk…now mind you, he’d have been better served using someone OTHER than his, but that just goes to show you he saw NOTHING wrong with it…boys! We discussed, consequenced and forgave….
I just had to laugh and share that…the marker on the wall just got me!
Forgiveness….AND Breaking Free….we’re covering it ALL aren’t we! Just did 6 this week…whew. Best yet for me!
love ya!
peace,
lori
I like your idea of studying through that verse. I think I am going to do that as well! That is the type of person I want to be!
.-= Missie´s last blog ..With reverence =-.
I LOVE it! Beautiful picture and explanation.
Happy Word-filled Wednesday!
.-= Harter´s last blog ..Giving forgiveness =-.
How is it that little ones forgive so easily? And when is it that forgiving becomes so hard? Sigh. Sweet, sweet picture, Natalie.
.-= Amy Sullivan´s last blog ..Stolen Valentines and Compassion =-.
Ahhh…how absolutely precious! Forgiveness is a beautiful thing for all ages. Thanks for that great reminder today!
.-= Alicia The Snowflake´s last blog ..The Condition of Our Heart =-.
The photo is so precious and great verse selection. Blessings to you.
.-= Wanda´s last blog ..Ever Asked Why =-.
The hug. It seems so easy for a child to say sorry. A hug is all we ask of them. I’m with Amy, when did it get so hard for us to say sorry.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Wednesdays Voice – Azerbijan =-.