Thanks #21

Today I am thankful for:

Do-Overs

Or in religious vernacular - Repentance.

Time for a story: Yesterday was a difficult day. I was just in the wrong mood and Emma was in a crazy mood, and when those get put together it never mixes well. I simply didn't have the proper mental attitude or mental energy to handle her; as a result, I wasn't a very good mom.

Today was a brand new day! I woke up in the "right" mood, so to speak, Emma was a much more enjoyable Emma, and that is a recipe for peace and happiness in our home. I've gotten many things accomplished today, as well as having spent some quality time with her making sugar cookies & putting out Christmas decorations. She ate well at every meal (perhaps because I wasn't constantly nagging her to eat - but I didn't have to because she was eating so well), she minded me pretty well - it was a glorious "Do-Over" of a day.

Here's where I get spiritual. There's countless admonitions in the scriptures to be "like a child"; as a parent who sees just exactly what children are like sometimes, I find myself thinking, "Aaaaand, how exactly is that?" :) But Emma gave me a great example of a really important child-like quality: true forgiveness. After the day I gave her yesterday, she could've - and perhaps should've - held it against me, really got back at me for it.

But right out of bed this morning, she was all smiles and giggles, ready to have a splendid day! Yesterday was already water under the proverbial bridge, no strings attached. I know that's not how I would've behaved; I would've held onto that grudge with both hands, baby! Sadly, doesn't take much analysis to determine which approach is correct. :(

And considering which one of us is clearly more in tune with the Savior's example, I have to call into question my parental stewardship over this child who regularly brings me back to the straight and narrow - shouldn't it be the other way around?

I'm so grateful for the forgiveness I constantly receive from Emma, and all my family; it's a sweetly symbolic reminder of the forgiveness that I can receive just as fully from my Heavenly Father.