When I was fourteen, my parents took just me on this big trip. We didn’t have a lot of money, so I know that this was a big deal to be going on such an adventure. Though I was probably the most disrespectful I had ever been, on that trip. Looking back, I don’t remember all the details, but I know that I was just plain crabby. I am not sure why, or what was bothering me at the time. Not sure I did then either. Though we may have ultimately had a few good moments, I can guarantee you, that was not my parent’s favorite trip. Looking back, I feel bad, although it’s the past and I cannot undue it. I am sorry for it, and my parents know that. I can only make the now better. My parent’s have long since forgiven me. Love for our children is a beautiful thing. Allowing us to love them enough to want to correct them when they mess up, forgiving them, and lovingly guiding them to be better. I know my own children have had their not so sunny moments. Though I still love them, even when they are crabby. God is like this with us. Even as we sin or act disrespectful or crabby, He still loves us. He still wants to help us be our best, as He lovingly guides us back to reason. Friend, we are all sinners, we all have disappointed our parents, we all have made mistakes. We have all disappointed God. Though God is always ready to forgive us and help us come back to His loving care and guidance. May we go to God and ask Him to help us be our best selves, if we mess up, may we go to Him for forgiveness and direction. May we also show that same grace to others too, whether our own children or someone else. Maybe someday my parents and my whole family and I will take another trip; except this time, I won’t be so crabby…

Erin Fitts-Brower

Willingness to forgive

1 John 1:9 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 103:11-12 NIV

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace