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The following post is written by Steady Mom's monthly contributor, Catherine.
It had been one of those weeks.
You know, when things seem out of sorts.
It could have been that we were over-scheduled; I was staying up later than normal and robbing myself of needed sleep.
Or maybe it was the weather, which had kept us inside for what felt like months. I can't pinpoint the exact cause, but the days seemed to be unraveling and I felt like I might lose my mind.
Truth be told I did lose my mind--on
several occasions. Raising my voice, showing my disappointment in
my expressions.
I felt badly--these are not proud parenting moments.
I
was letting outside stresses enter our little circle and it was
affecting my kids. I don't like raising my voice or playing referee all day. I don't like going to bed feeling drained.
But even the most patient moms lose their cool now and again, and I certainly am not exempt from that.
The
next day I got up early and was determined to make things right.
It
was going to be a better day. I would be more patient, get creative with activities and make the attitude adjustments needed for
a more peaceful home.
I sat down at the kitchen table with my 7-year-old during breakfast and pleaded my case.
"Honey, I am sorry about the way I acted yesterday. I was frustrated and did not handle it well. You are supposed to be learning from me and those are not the things I want to teach you. Please forgive me."Taking a short break from his Cheerios, he turned to me. "Mom, that was yesterday. Of course I forgive you. What else would I do?"
For my son, each morning is a clean slate--it's almost as if "yesterday" never even happened.
In that moment I had a brand new day--bathed in the power of forgiveness.
What could be better than that?
**Have your children ever shown you the power of forgiveness?**
Catherine is a mother of three children who finds strength in
simple ideas, inspiring others, and keeping things in perspective. She blogs at The Shoe Box Daily, where you can get tips and
ideas for thriving in the midst of life's challenges.
