Monday, July 07, 2008

forgiven...

This weekend, I was talking to a friend who was in the car traveling back from vacation. While she was talking, one of her kids threw something that hit her. She said "Ouch!" and in the background I heard her son say, "I'm sorry, mom". Without missing a beat, she said, "You're forgiven."

I love that. I told John that I want us to start using that phrase whenever anyone says "I'm sorry" around here.

It's so simple isn't it? Just two little words. But what a beautiful example that sets for our children (spouse, friends, etc) when forgiveness is offered quickly and completely.

I typically respond to the words "I'm sorry" with "Oh, it's okay" or "thank you for the apology" but I like "You're forgiven" so much better!

17 comments:

Brenda said...

So true, Meredith. It difinitely helps me think before responding with the rote "It's ok" cliche' (when it's really not ok) as well as also using it as an opportunity to teach forgiveness to our kiddos, even in the littleist offenses.
Have a great week!
Brenda

Amber said...

I love that.

May have to borrow that phrase to use around here. We seem to have lots of "I'm sorry's" and "that's okays" around our house. "You're forgiven" is such a great example and such a great message to teach our kids.

Thanks for sharing.

Ingram Gang said...

I love that too. I think I may switch my response too.

About the soap...I love it! My clothes come out cleanER than before. I was a bit of a Tide-a-holic too :) I really have been so happy with my switch.

Casey said...

I remember when I was a kid our pastor taught on how to say you're sorry and how to go about forgiving. It has always stuck with me- saying a proper apology (I'm sorry. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?) But I often forget the forgiving part. Let's face it, sometimes that's just the hardest part, right?

Angie @ Flibbertigibberish said...

I like that! It seems so much more purposeful. Thanks for sharing that!

Gina said...

I have taught my kids to say, "I forgive you" When they receive an apology. For that matter I have also taught them to say, "I am sorry that I_________. Will you please forgive me?"

Because it is not ok to act in a way that requires you to apologise.

When I am lazy and just tell them "sorry" They will inevitable tell me to do it again- and right this time!

Anonymous said...

That's a nice idea!

Rmomof3 said...

Love it Meredith!
Blessings to you all!
Me

Holly said...

I sure do love being forgiven, too! I'm glad God says more that, "No problem." to us--I need more than that.

Sounds like a good practice to put into place!

Jacquie said...

Meredith, thanks for your comment on my blog. I enjoy reading your posts as well. Your children are adorable! I look forward to reading more about your life.

Jacquie said...

Oh, and enjoy your trip back to Arkansas! The weather's not been too bad here this summer!

His Girl said...

see? that's why I like reading your blog....

Gretchen said...

Love it. We do a lot of that, actually, and the kids are much better at it than I am. I still struggle with the forgiven/forgotten thing, but I think it's like a muscle. The more we use it, the more it becomes part of who we are and who (I think) God wants us to be.

I am guilty of doing a lot of, "you're sorry? Then change the behavior!" stuff, which I'm not proud of. This is a good shot in the arm to do more of the "you're forgiven", and giving grace. Who doesn't need that?

Leah Belle said...

my college roomie told me that they were taught to say "i forgive you" when someone apologized. that stuck with me, and we are training our children to do the same.

Girl Raised in the South said...

I had someone phone recently and ask me "will you forgive me" and I was struck by how seldom we hear, or say, those words. You're right - they sound different.

Meredith said...

Amazing how two simple words can have such a big impact.

Jenn said...

I read this post earlier in the week but did not have much time to leave a comment. I have been thinking about it all week.

With saying those two simple words it sets them free. Thanks for sharing it with us.