... for Forgiveness!

Two nights ago, Hannah and I had another "discussion" about her behavior.  We had walked in the door and since it was already past her bedtime, I told her it was time to head to bed.  She immediately burst into tears and complained that she didn't want to go.  After a relatively short battle that ended up with me being annoyed and frustrated, she calmed down, and we had a discussion about how upset I got with her fits and the fact that she didn't seem to listen to me as well as she did to others.  To be fair, this isn't really true so even when I was saying it I corrected myself, but still I am not proud of even bringing it up in the first place.  After many tears on both sides, we forgave each other and prayed, among other things, for God to forgive both of us for our naughty behavior.  I hadn't acted like the most Christian mother in the "discussion" but I am thankful (hey two for one tonight) that I at least had enough sense to admit I was in the wrong too and ask Hannah to forgive me.

Then, I told her we could read a story before she got into bed.  To my extreme pleasure, she hopped off my lap and said, "Let's look for a book about forgiveness!"  I was so proud of her.  And humble too knowing she got it better than I do sometimes.  Unfortunately, we don't have a book about forgiveness, but I promised we would get one the next time we go to the library.  All in all the night ended much better.  And I believe God taught me a great lesson, one that I need to keep relearning, it seems.  When Hannah forgives, it is forgotten.  Much like our sins, that when forgiven, are thrown into the sea of forgetfulness.  God says they are as far from us as the east is from the west.  Unfortunately, I often find myself unable (although sadly the better word may unfortunately be "unwilling") to do the same for others.  Hannah deserves far better. 

So I get up and try, try again.  In the meantime, I am thankful that she is willing to forgive me and forget it.  And, Today I am Thankful For Forgiveness!