Loving Forgiveness

We were deep in conversation as Steve shined his motorcycle.

Our granddaughter, Charlotte, and her mama came into the garage. This little one carries the energy of her four years. She chattered and literally ran circles around the motorcycle and the adults. Then she got thirsty.

Knowing that her pop-pop keeps child-sized water bottles in his garage fridge for just such a need, she opened the door and helped herself.

I helped her open the cap, and she drank deeply. Then she talked some more, cradling the bottle in the crook of her arm. Suddenly, the water bottle slipped, landing on its side on the floor. She stared incredulously as the liquid darkened the concrete. I snatched it up and handed it back to her. Her eyes nervously searched our faces. “It’s OK,” I said, “no one is mad at you.” She relaxed. Her mother and I smiled. Then she realized that Steve had not reacted to her mishap at all. “I have to tell Pop-pop,” she whispered. Walking to where he wiped his bike, she pointed to the puddle. “Look, Pop-pop, I did that.” He smiled at her and said, “It will dry.” “Yes,” she replied and smiled back.

How beautiful! What if when we make a mistake, we react like Charlotte? She knew that her mom and I were not upset, but she had to check with the one in charge of the garage. She pointed out her spill without fear or excuse.

She could accept responsibility because of confidence in her pop-pop to love and forgive her anyway. This is the confidence we have in our Savior.

It’s inevitable; we mess up. We try to make things right with those around us, to seek forgiveness. Ultimately, we go to the One in charge, God Himself, and confess to what we have done: “I did that.” Herein is the grace of the Lord.

He is not waiting to scold and punish. He has forgiven us.

He reassures us that all is well between us.

We have not lost our place in His heart, not even for a moment.

Confession simply gives us the peace of mind to stay near to Him.

Ann Trout