“I’m sorry mommy.”
Her whole body sagged as she looked down at the floor; her eyes filling with tears—and my heart broke. She may have been pushing my buttons, but she didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of my outburst. She was jet-lagged and exhausted—and she was only three.
I, on the other hand, was the adult. I was the one who should be more capable of managing my emotions and maintaining control. Except that I hadn’t. Not in that moment anyway. I may be her mommy, but I’m still only human. I make mistakes. I mess up. I lack patience and respond too harshly. Sometimes I yell—and then I feel shame, so much shame. Over and over and over again.
But God is the God of second chances. As well as third and fourth and as many as we need. And like my little daughter who receives my apologies with instant, heartfelt forgiveness, He too forgives, when we cannot yet forgive ourselves. And He responds with grace—more than we deserve.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; so great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
And so, I am granted the opportunity to try again tomorrow with a clean slate—a fresh start. I’m given another opportunity to encourage and build up instead of tear down—to be Jesus to my children, and show them His way.
We worship a God of grace, Whose mercy and forgiveness know no bounds. Bask in it today. Let it heal you, strengthen you, and bring you renewed hope. Tomorrow is a new day, and He is already there.
