Forgiveness

Most people would not describe me as a particularly patient person. However, when it comes to Greta and Wyatt, I have actually been a little surprised by myself at how patient I usually am with them; I'm pretty even keel on about 95% of our days. This afternoon, however, was a day which fell into the 5%. I was in a really frustrated and annoyed mood which had nothing to do with Greta and Wyatt, but my demeanor kept getting worse due to the normal little ways children can get under your skin. Instead of getting away from them to collect myself, I just kept battling against them all evening. By the end of the night, I felt that I needed to talk to Greta about it. As I was putting her to bed, I told her that I was sorry I'd been so grumpy. She asked me why I was sad and we talked about moods and how even if we feel sad or mad we shouldn't be mean to others due to our own bad mood. I totally owned it. Greta said a prayer for me tonight - - that I would have a happy night and stop being grumpy. She was silly, smiley, kind, cuddly, and mostly - forgiving. It dawned on me that I almost never ask anyone to forgive me for my wrong doings. And I am nearly never asked to forgive anyone else. I think adults just assume that when we hurt people, everyone will eventually just get over it. And I think it usually happens that way. But I have to say - - owning my mistakes and having that little girl tell me it was ok was a little miracle. Not only am I no longer grumpy. Indeed, I really want to go wake her up and give her some ice cream. I shall remember this when Greta is 15 and I owe her the exact same apology for the exact same bad behavior. I hope she's as forgiving then.