Comments on: In Motherhood, Forgiveness Trumps Failure

By: Kellie

Kellie — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:35:14 +0000

I am putting a link to this post on my blog if that’s alright. I would love to post the whole thing right on my blog (of course with a link to you and the post and giving you props for it, as it is you that wrote it). Let me know if that’s ok. I read this post a couple months ago and I think about it sometimes. I know I need to think about it more often. Even though my kids haven’t come out and said, “You make me feel like you don’t love me,” I know that is what they are thinking when I put something else above them and get upset at them. I have a couple friends who I know could benefit by reading this. Could you let me know if it’s ok for me to post it? Thanks.

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Links are fine, but please don’t copy and paste — not just from my site but from anyone’s. Even with props and links, it’s copyright infringement. Thanks for asking up front.

By: Zina

Zina — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:38:30 +0000

What a sweet story. In my case there can be as many as four children all trying to do their thing while I’m trying to get something done, and it can be very vexing. I DO soften and apologize when I realize I’ve hurt a child’s feelings, but unfortunately my kids have gotten pretty thick-skinned. From a glass-half-full perspective, that could mean they are way too used to harsh words from me; or if my glass is half-full, I could say that they’re so secure in my unconditional love that a little steam coming out of my ears doesn’t frighten them. I DO want to get better at being firm but KIND. It is a daily test. Your story reminds me of why it is so worthwhile to keep trying.

P.S. I buy big multi-packs of tape at Costco, and it is very worth it — although sometimes the kids still can’t find any of their rolls, and they borrow mine. My worse annoyance is that I can’t keep a roll of correction tape around — my toddler has ruined about three full ones so far. (Yeah, I surely should have learned by now to store them somewhere less accessible.)

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:36:29 +0000

Awww. That is so sweet. I know I too am guilty of doing this very thing. My 4 year old is always asking if I’m mad at him when we’re discussing his bad day at school. I always try to reiterate that I’m not mad at him but disappointed that he didn’t follow the rules but no matter what I still love him!

By: Heather of the EO

Heather of the EO — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:51:48 +0000

I love this post. I so often have to ask for forgiveness after I’ve been impatient. During dinner, or while cleaning or after trying to talk on the phone….
Beautiful post.

By: staciesmadness

staciesmadness — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:50:45 +0000

this is very sweet…glad you got to make it right!!

By: Shalee

Shalee — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:08:49 +0000

Yet again you prove your excellent skill at mothering. The Boy uttered those same words to after my getting onto him for the umpteenth time about something (most likely trivial). I gave him a big hug, told him that I do love him with all my heart, but that he’d better quit being a stinker by disobeying me or else. I probably should have left the last part off… Sometimes I should just say to heck with my rules and love him with abandonment.

By: Harmony

Harmony — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:48:30 +0000

I loved this.

I find myself so often having to gulp down my pride and say, “God, redeem this situation!” And their little hearts are so eager to forgive.

By: Julie H

Julie H — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 03:02:55 +0000

This was just what I needed to read this evening. Great story and a great reminder of what really matters.
Take care,
Julie

By: PastormacsAnn

PastormacsAnn — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:12:08 +0000

“In motherhood, forgiveness trumps failure.” Amen!

Thank God!

(you could teach Martha Stewart a thing or two AM!)

By: nan

nan — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:54:41 +0000

The nicest thing is when you hear your 9 or 10 year old say to someone, “I’m sorry. I am having a bad day and it’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”