Grounded in Love & Grace: A Teachable Moment

Have you ever had one? A “Teachable Moment"?

If you're a parent, chances are you've had plenty of them. Boy did we have one in our home tonight – and right at bedtime to boot!! It almost turned into a philosophical discussion. Those that know me well…you know I’m not good at those! That said…we’re a simple family with simple faith – we love Jesus and we know our need for a Savior – a life without HIM is a life without hope. But truth be told…I can really over-analyze things and make them complicated. I’m pretty sure it’s not one of the spiritual gifts talked about in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4!! That’s why I am ever so thankful “He’s still working on me.”

See this face…

It’s the face of an unhappy boy who didn’t get what he wanted tonight. First it started with dinner. He had to actually eat AT THE DINNER TABLE. Most nights our “dinner table” is the coffee table in our living room (SHHHH…don’t tell my parents.) But not tonight, because Chicken Parmesan just isn’t a meal you eat in the living room. My ~~sweet~~ little boy started being disrespectful, talking back, not using his manners (you can stop me anytime…but you get the point). Needless to say, when he asked to watch one of his favorite shows after dinner, we said N-O! SOORRRRYYYY!! (okay that was for effect…but we did say “absolutely not” and then began to explain why he wasn’t getting what he wanted and that there were consequences for his actions). After a few dramatic cries and attempts to still get what he wanted, he realized we were “sticking to our guns” on this one and not only did he not get to watch his show, but he had to go to bed immediately after dinner. Difficult for us and difficult for him.

So…the teachable moment…FORGIVENESS

Ever had to say those words – “I’m sorry”? It’s hard to do…very tough. It means admitting to yourself and another person that YOU ARE WRONG. Who in their right mind EVER likes to be wrong? NO ONE…NADA…NUN-YA (that’s southern ya’ll). But as SOON as he said those words (real tears and all), we immediately said “We LOVE you always, and we forgive you.” Friends…that’s what Jesus does for us and in God’s word, He tells us we are to do the same.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, FORGIVING (emphasis mine) each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~Ephesians 4:32

Such a “not-so-fun night” had a sweet sweet ending. Each of us said bedtime prayers and then we talked about how fun it was going to be when we get to Heaven. Connor’s words…”Heaven is gonna be WAY FUNNER than this place”. Grammar – not so good. His Heart and love for Jesus – PRICELESS!! Thank you Jesus that you aren’t finished with us yet and thank you for forgiving us when we totally mess things up.

Ahh...now THAT's more like it...