Forgiveness is better …

Earlier today Sophia, Choza and I headed out to run a couple of errands and bring Fred some soup for lunch.

(There is an AMAZING little cafe in Billings run by these two Dutch brothers and their wives and on Fridays they have the world’s best tomato basil soup. It’s out of this world! If you’re even in Billings on a Friday, I’ll buy you a cup.)

ANYWAY … one of the laborers who is installing our new doors apparently had to run out too and as Sophia and I were driving down our little avenue, this kid JUST ABOUT BROADSIDED US BECAUSE HE COMPLETELY RAN A STOP SIGN (!!!!!).

Momma Tara was not pleased.

When we got back and I had Soph tucked into bed, the poor guy wouldn’t even make eye contact with me. I wasn’t mad at him–but I was concerned and an apology was warranted.

We danced around each other–him working, me cleaning or working on the laptop …
I wanted to give him time to say, “Sorry.”
But nope–no apology.

I prayed for him. I wanted to minister Christ to him. I really wasn’t angry–but I thought, “This kid probably thinks I am SO upset with him and that I’m judging him and I’m going to complain to his boss.” I just didn’t think it was loving to let it go on.

So finally I just gently said,

“You know, I’m not mad at you. But an apology would be appropriate.”
“Sorry.”

“Apology accepted. I am not mad at you–I am quick to forgive. Thanks for talking with me about it and thanks for your hard work.”

After our brief conversation I thought:

Forgiveness is just SO much better than the alternative!

Otherwise, how could this kid be DELIVERED from guilt over what he had done? (And hopefully learn something too.)

How many stop signs have I run in my life? (NOT literal ones–I’m a freakishly careful driver.) But how many times have I made a stupid decision that COULD have been disastrous but instead was merely heart-poundingly-“CLOSE.”

I’m the kid. I’m just like him. Of course I know that.
And I am so grateful for forgiveness.

Joy to you all!
May we all revel in the forgiveness we have in Christ.

Your friend,
Tara

PS
Sorry I’ve been BAD about responding on the discussion board and even posting blogs this week. I am SO under the gun getting ready for the new/advanced/alumni retreat PLUS Soph being sick (so I couldn’t leave he with anyone and have uninterrupted time to work–and I’m just not that good at tackling HUGE projects like a new retreat when I have only tiny chunks of time to work).

All that to say … I hope to do better and please bear with me! 🙂

PPS
In case you’re curious … here is the progress on front door so far … still more work to be done …

OLD DOOR

NEW DOOR