I'm SORRY!

Friends,  I have written the same blog for my "Musings with Marnie" 
and this Parenting/Family Blog. (Please forgive me :) if you have 
received this twice.)  I feel that it is important.  

Parents please work with your family/children on this most important 
tool....It WILL make a difference in their life for years to come.  It 
may take time in the beginning to work that stubbornness out but 
with patience and practice  it will come easier.  Don't overlook it.

I appreciate you all!

Remember dealing with your child when they needed to say that 

they were sorry?  They have pinched someone, taken a toy, tattled

 etc and you have stepped in and said "Now say you're sorry to 

your brother"  It's amazing how hard that word is to say.  Many a 
child has had to be punished simply because they would not 
follow through with this word, the gaze goes down, the feet 
shuffle and stubbornness comes to the surface.

So interesting.   

And then after threat upon threat they FINALLY say 

"I'm SORRY !"  You can hear it can't you? A two word 

sentence filled with rebellion.  It's that "I may be sitting 

down but I'm standing up on the inside~ type thing."

Sooooo  how you doing with this word in your life now? 

 Now that you are grown are you able to say it easier?  Have 

you ever  actually let yourself feel sorry?  Has your heart ever 

hurt because you have caused someone pain or discomfort?   

Are you able to own it?     

Get in front of a mirror and say it....."I'm sorry"   Practice it 

until it flows easier.  Perhaps you need to actually say you're 

sorry to yourself  for things that you have allowed into your 

life and choices that have landed you where you are.   Start 

there first....Forgive yourself don't  be caught off guard if 

you cry, its totally alright.

When dealing with children I have tried to teach that there 

are three other words that are of equal importance as well 

and that is "I forgive you" I feel these words need to be said

 to "tie up the deal"   If the other person does not say anything

 you might prompt them by saying "Can you forgive me?" 

 Be prepared...if they hesitate or say no perhaps the 

wound is deeper than you realized.  DON'T become irritated 

and or frustrated .  You have taken time to get to the place to 

say it , let them have some time as well.   God will give you 

the grace to be gracious.  Simply say it again and tell them you

 will be praying that they can find it in their heart to forgive you.

Friends there is SUCH HEALING in these words.  Healing if 

the words are said with feeling and remorse and salt if they 

are not.   

 I think that we should look for places and situations where 

we can say we are sorry.  I think that it makes the ground 

fertile between two people.  Loosen up, if this blog has riled 

you ...if you dare, look at the reason why.  

Beloved you have been forgiven much, allow the Lord to 

work this into you. It has the power to open closed doors 

and build bridges where there are none.

Well done good and faithful servant!

Blessings!