I'm Sorry Mommy...

"I'm sorry, Mommy. Sometimes I try too hard to make my friends laugh and it goes too far. I didn't mean to have a fresh mouth. Do you forgive me?" These are the words my 8 year old, Maya, said to me tonight. Things did get out of hand and she realized that she hurt her mommy as she was trying to make her friends think she's 'cool'.

Her eyes were brimming with HUGE tears and her lip trembled as her apology spilled out of her. I did not doubt for one second that she was sincere and remorseful.

Of course I grabbed her, hugged her and forgave her immediately. I told her to be more aware of how her actions effect others. I told her that I love her. I told her that it's very easy to fall into the trap of trying to make others laugh or make them think you are cool at the expense of compromising your values. I told her that even I do that sometimes.

Can you believe I admitted that to my 8 year old? Neither can I!!!

As Christians we are warned in Galatians 1:10

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

We know that it was necessary for Paul to constantly reprimand believers to guard their lives against confusion and the lure of sin. This was thousands of years ago when the lures were smaller and the temptations fewer...we are in South Florida where 90% of the population is unchurched!

I know that I fight temptation daily.
I pray for God to help me live a life that is pleasing to Him.
I know how easy it is to fall.
I know that no matter how hard I try to be perfect, I will fall short.

I also know above everything else that my Father will grab me, hug me and forgive me immediately when I come to Him with a sincere and remorseful heart.

That's grace!